It’s hard to imagine a scenario where “Nepali citizens elect a prime minister through an online gaming server” would make headlines, yet that’s precisely what unfolded this month in Nepal. Following a series of government-toppling protests, the election and swearing-in of Sushila Karki as the country’s new interim prime minister took place on Discord, a platform commonly associated with gaming but increasingly utilized for political engagement.
Karki, the first female prime minister of Nepal and a former chief justice of the Nepali Supreme Court, was elected by a vibrant online community on Discord after a competitive political debate that was livestreamed on platforms like YouTube. This unprecedented event raises questions about the intersection of politics and digital activism, particularly in a time when social media is often critiqued for its role in societal disruption.
Launched in 2015, Discord serves as a chat platform primarily aimed at gamers but has grown to encompass diverse user groups, boasting over 200 million monthly users. The civic advocacy group Hami Nepal played a crucial role in establishing a dedicated Discord channel to facilitate a virtual political convention after military forces imposed restrictions on large gatherings in response to protests.
The momentum was swift; as the Discord channel grew to over 140,000 members, participants engaged in discussions that ultimately led to Karki’s election, representing approximately 30 million Nepali citizens. This method of selecting leadership, while unconventional, reflects the accessibility of the internet in Nepal, where 99.6 percent of the population enjoys mobile broadband connectivity.
This groundbreaking election follows the abrupt reversal of a sweeping social media ban enforced by former Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, which had included Discord among 26 platforms. Initially justified as a technicality, the ban was widely perceived as an attempt to suppress free speech, fueling public outrage among younger generations. Frustrated by the pervasive political instability and corruption — a legacy of a new democracy still finding its footing after the monarchy’s end in 2008 — many took to the streets in protest. This unrest culminated in violent confrontations, resulting in the deaths of at least 72 individuals, including critical injuries to family members of political figures.
In the aftermath of the protests, which led to Oli’s resignation and a temporary military takeover, the swift acceptance of online election results by the military highlighted a significant shift in political dynamics within the country. This incident underscores the evolving relationship between social media and governance, marking a potential turning point for political engagement.
Globally, we have witnessed social media’s power in mobilizing movements, from the Arab Spring in 2010 to the Black Lives Matter protests and the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. The advantages of digital platforms for organizing protests are evident; they allow for rapid mobilization and increased transparency, enabling activists to hold authorities accountable in real time.
However, the anonymity that comes with online activism also opens the door for manipulation and disinformation. Instances of misinformation have surfaced during protests, complicating the narrative and undermining genuine movements. The evolution of platforms like Twitter (now X) highlights how the same tools that once empowered activists may also hinder their efforts.
Nepal’s events invite deeper reflection on the potential of online platforms, particularly Discord, which had not been a conventional choice for mass mobilization. The shift from offline protests to an effective online engagement was remarkable, largely due to Hami Nepal’s established infrastructure, which enabled the virtual convention to gain legitimacy and public attention.
Discord’s unique structure allows for organized discussions akin to project management tools rather than chaotic social media feeds. This structure facilitates focused debates and clear communication, drawing in a demographic of predominantly young activists who are already familiar with the platform. The format of public debates and discussions allowed for robust political engagement, even featuring Karki, who is 73 years old.
The success of the online election suggests that social media is far from losing its effectiveness as a tool for political organization. While often viewed as a catalyst for global unrest, it can also serve as a platform for constructive democratic engagement. The contrasting dynamics between different social media platforms raise important questions about how best to foster meaningful political discourse.
As we consider the implications of Nepal’s innovative approach to governance, it’s clear that new forms of online engagement could hold the key to revitalizing democracy in an increasingly digital world. The potential for decentralized, moderated spaces to encourage civic participation offers a hopeful perspective amidst the pervasive negativity surrounding technology’s influence on politics.
Though these reflections remain hypothetical for now, they inspire optimism about the future of online activism. The success of Nepal’s election through Discord may well signal a transformative moment in how we conceive of political engagement in the digital age, inviting further exploration of the possibilities that lie ahead for democratic participation.
