Sushila Karki Gets Elected Via Discord

 

Nepal has made history by selecting its interim prime minister through a digital vote on Discord, a platform originally designed for gamers. Sushila Karki, a 73-year-old former chief justice, was sworn in as Nepal’s first female prime minister following a tumultuous week of protests that toppled the government of K.P. Sharma Oli. This extraordinary process, driven by Nepal’s Gen Z activists, marks a significant moment in digital democracy and youth-led political reform.

The choice of Discord was both practical and symbolic. With traditional social media platforms blocked, activists used virtual private networks (VPNs) and apps like Discord and Bitchat (a Bluetooth messaging app) to coordinate protests and discussions. "The Parliament of Nepal right now is Discord," said Sid Ghimiri, a 23-year-old content creator, highlighting the platform’s role as a digital town square. National television stations even broadcast excerpts from the server, underscoring its influence.

In a world where digital tools are redefining democracy, Nepal’s experiment with Discord may serve as a blueprint or a cautionary tale for future movements. For now, Karki’s historic appointment as the nation’s first female prime minister stands as a testament to the power of collective action in the digital age.