In an unprecedented digital twist, Nepal’s youth turned to a gaming app to nominate their prime minister, reshaping the nation’s political landscape after deadly unrest. This discord poll election is one of its kind in the world, and the amazing part is, the army also accepted newly elected interim leader.
Nepal’s President Ramchandra Paudel appointed former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as interim leader of Nepal on Friday, September 12, 2025, in Kathmandu, after Gen-Z protesters used Discord poll feature to select interim leader amid anti-corruption demonstrations that forced the previous government’s resignation.
This event underscores the rising influence of Gen-Z in South Asian politics, where digital tools like Discord are empowering youth to challenge entrenched corruption and demand transparent governance, potentially inspiring similar movements across the region.
Gen-Z Discord Poll Revolution in Nepal Politics
The appointment of Sushila Karki as Nepal’s PM marks a historic first for the Himalayan nation, as she becomes its inaugural female leader in this role. The 73-year-old jurist, known for her tenure as Supreme Court Chief Justice from 2016 to 2017, was sworn in following a week of violent protests that claimed at least 72 lives. The unrest erupted after the government imposed bans on social media platforms, including Discord, Instagram, and others, which protesters viewed as the final provocation in a long-standing battle against nepotism and unrepresentative leadership.
Gen-Z activists, organised under the banner of Hami Nepal, a group boasting over 160,000 members, swiftly adapted to the digital blackout. Once the bans were lifted amid the chaos, they convened on Discord’s “Youth Against Corruption” channel to host debates and polls. Over 10,000 participants, including many from the Nepali diaspora, engaged in real-time discussions, posing tough questions to protest leaders and vetting potential candidates. A parallel YouTube livestream accommodated an additional 6,000 viewers due to technical glitches on Discord.
The process culminated in a virtual poll where five nominees were shortlisted: Harka Sampang, Mahabir Pun, Sagar Dhakal, Rastra Bimochan Timalsina (known as Random Nepali), and Sushila Karki. Karki emerged victorious, her name propelled from street protests to the digital ballot. This innovative use of Gen-Z Discord tactics highlighted a shift towards egalitarian decision-making, allowing anonymous participation without fear of reprisal.
Protests That Toppled Nepal’s Government
The catalyst for the Gen-Z Discord poll initiative was a brutal security crackdown earlier in September 2025, which shattered public trust in the administration led by then-Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli. On Tuesday, September 9, 2025, tens of thousands of young demonstrators torched key government buildings, including parliament and residences of prominent politicians, in Kathmandu. The violence, which persisted into Thursday, September 11, 2025, prompted Oli’s resignation and the president’s intervention.
Protesters, predominantly Gen-Z, decried systemic issues such as corruption, lack of job opportunities, and inadequate reforms in policing, education, and healthcare. In the Discord poll forums, participants fact-checked rumours and debated reforms, though challenges arose from potential infiltrators and pro-monarchy voices in parallel groups. One participant questioned the trustworthiness of protest leaders, reflecting the raw, unfiltered nature of the Gen-Z Discord discussions.
In her first address after assuming office, Karki stated: “The situation that I have come into, I have not wished to come here. My name was brought from the streets. We will not stay here more than six months in any situation. We will complete our responsibilities and pledge to hand over to the next parliament and ministers.” She urged calm and unity, promising to address the protesters’ demands while preparing for national rebuilding.
Background
Nepal’s political instability has roots in decades of monarchy, civil war, and fragile democracies. The 2015 constitution established a federal republic, but governance challenges persist. The recent Gen-Z uprising, amplified by Discord poll, echoes global youth movements but is unique in directly influencing a Nepal PM selection. International observers, including the United Nations, have welcomed Karki’s appointment while expressing concern over the violence.
What’s Next
President Paudel has dissolved parliament and scheduled general elections for Thursday, March 5, 2026, providing a six-month window for the interim Nepal PM to stabilise the country. As Nepal PM Karki convenes her first cabinet meeting, focus will shift to implementing reforms and ensuring a peaceful transition, with Gen-Z Discord poll communities likely monitoring progress closely.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, September 15th, 2025
Follow SouthAsianDesk on X, Instagram, and Facebook for insights on business and current affairs from across South Asia.
