Discord Elections and Youth Revolutions: Nepal’s Gen-Z protests
The youth-led protests that erupted in Nepal on September 9 have led to a new dawn with the appointment of former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as the country’s Interim Prime Minister on September 12th. The sun set on Prime Minister Sharma Oli’s administration after the anti-corruption protests forced him to step down. In a uniquely Gen Z election, Karki was chosen via an election on Discord, a social media platform, due to protesters’ support of her previous stands against corruption.
The “Gen-Z” protests were in reaction to the rising corruption and authoritarian actions by the Nepali government. Viral videos of the luxurious lives of politicians’ children, also known as “Nepo Kids,” further exacerbated frustrations amongst Nepalis. Protestors were frustrated by the government’s recent ban on major social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, and X. Protestors thus took to the streets, fighting for a government that could better manage the faltering economy and the mounting unemployment rate. The protests grew violent, leading to the deaths of at least 72 people, according to official accounts. Among the injured was the wife of former prime minister of Nepal, Jhala Nath Khanal, who sustained serious burn injuries as their home was set on fire.
Hami Nepal, the group that organized these protests, notably used social media to coordinate its cause. Discord, a messaging platform often used by online gamers, served as the stage for debates regarding the appointment of the interim prime minister. Hami Nepal created a channel on the platform titled “Youth Against Corruption,” where more than 10,000 people participated in discussions. Ultimately, former Chief Justice Sushila Karki, known for taking a stand against corruption during her time on the Supreme Court, was chosen. She was sworn in on September 12th with the help of the military and the president. Elections for Nepal’s post-interim elections are set to be held on March 5th.
As Nepal looks toward its future, its history brings up key questions for nations worldwide. Nepal’s protests connect to a broader global phenomenon of rising frustration with corrupt and increasingly authoritarian governments. With TikTok bans being considered in the United States during the Biden administration, as well as various social media platforms being banned in other nations, the straw that broke Nepal’s back may soon occur elsewhere.
There are many possible implications of the presumed success of these protests. Hami Nepal’s uniquely social media-oriented organization presents new possibilities for protests and revolutions in the 21st century. This form of virtual polls on Discord was considered by supporters to be more egalitarian, accessible, and transparent to the general public, especially in comparison to the backdoor actions of Nepali politicians in the past. At the same time, possible issues include misinformation or misuse of accounts on social media. With youth voter turnout lower in rural US states, these Discord polls can present a unique opportunity. Furthermore, social media users from around the world have taken inspiration from the Gen-Z style revolution put together by the Nepali youth, and are highlighting similar frustrations with their governments, with the desire to replicate the revolution. For other countries, particularly in the region, these protests could inspire similar outcries from their own young adults. The question thus arises: Could more countries see Discord elections in their future?