In a move that stunned the world, Nepal’s Gen Z protestors have chosen former Supreme Court Chief Justice Sushila S Karki as the country’s interim Prime Minister – through a virtual poll on Discord. Youth-led protests toppled Oli’s government in a week, and 73-year-old Karki took oath as Nepal’s first woman PM.
Unrest began after PM Oli banned non-compliant social media platforms, instantly sparking widespread online outrage. What started as a protest against nepotism and corruption quickly escalated into a nationwide movement. Government buildings were set on fire, politicians’ residences attacked, and parliament was stormed. According to Reuters, at least 51 people lost their lives and, moreover, over 1,300 suffered injuries during the uprising.
With trust in traditional politics shattered, the youth decided to take matters into their own hands. The group Hami Nepal, with over 160,000 members, organized a live debate on Discord under the channel “Youth Against Corruption.” Over 10,000 people participated in heated discussions, with thousands more joining via a YouTube livestream. After hours of debate, participants voted overwhelmingly, choosing Karki as their preferred leader for the country.
For the first time in Nepal’s history — and perhaps globally — people informally selected a head of government through a gaming chat platform. In the end, Nepal’s Gen Z decision clearly reflects not only their deep frustration with decades of political instability but also their enduring hope for a corruption-free future.
Nepal’s youngest and most restless generation has chosen an interim leader on Discord, with elections set for March 5, 2026.