How Nepal’s Gen Z Used Discord to Choose Their Prime Minister

In a groundbreaking move for democratic engagement, young Nepalis harnessed the power of the gaming app Discord to select an interim Prime Minister amid political unrest. This unprecedented method not only showcased the creativity of Nepal’s Gen Z but also highlighted their disillusionment with traditional political processes.

Background: A Nation in Turmoil

Nepal has been experiencing significant political upheaval, culminating in widespread protests against Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s administration, which was accused of corruption and nepotism. The protests intensified following the government’s decision to ban several popular social media platforms, including Discord, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube, which protesters viewed as a final straw. The demonstrations resulted in violent clashes with security forces, leading to the deaths of at least 72 people.

Amid this chaos, young activists sought a way to select a leader who could guide the nation through its crisis. Their objective was clear: to find a consensus candidate capable of addressing the rampant corruption and restoring faith in the political system.

The Discord Debate

The platform chosen for this innovative selection process was Discord, a messaging service primarily used by gamers but increasingly popular among various online communities. Hami Nepal, a prominent youth organization, set up a channel called “Youth Against Corruption,” where more than 10,000 participants engaged in lively discussions about the country’s future. As access issues arose, a mirrored livestream on YouTube allowed an additional 6,000 viewers to join the discourse.

Participants debated a range of issues, from jobs and police reform to the state of healthcare, all while focusing on the main question: who should lead the country next? The atmosphere was charged with urgency and a sense of collective responsibility. As one participant noted, “People were learning as they went. Many of us didn’t know what it meant to dissolve parliament or form an interim government. But we were asking questions, getting answers from experts, and trying to figure it out together.”

Shortlisting Candidates

After extensive discussions, five candidates were shortlisted for the final vote:

1. **Harka Sampang** – A social activist and mayor of Dharan.
2. **Mahabir Pun** – A respected social activist and head of the National Innovation Centre.
3. **Sagar Dhakal** – An independent politician who previously ran against prominent leader Sher Bahadur Deuba.
4. **Rastra Bimochan Timalsina** – Known as Random Nepali on YouTube, he has been advising the youth movement.
5. **Sushila Karki** – A former Supreme Court Chief Justice known for her advocacy for an independent judiciary.

Ultimately, Karki emerged victorious, receiving overwhelming support from the participants. Her tenure as chief justice from 2016 to 2017 was marked by her commitment to judicial independence, famously jailing a serving minister for corruption.

The Risks and Challenges

While the process was hailed as a more egalitarian alternative to traditional political selection, it was not without risks. Critics pointed out the potential for manipulation, as individuals could create multiple accounts to sway votes. Additionally, there were concerns about misinformation, as various social media handles falsely claimed to represent the youth movement, creating confusion among participants.

In one instance, a young leader warned a military officer about potential royal interference in the formation of the new government, illustrating the tense atmosphere surrounding the protests.

The Aftermath

The culmination of the Discord debate led to Karki taking her oath of office on Friday, where she acknowledged the circumstances that brought her to power. “The situation that I have come in, I have not wished to come here. My name was brought from the streets,” she stated. Karki emphasized her commitment to serve only for a limited time, pledging to hand over responsibilities to the next parliament and ministers.

The choice of Karki as interim Prime Minister reflects a significant shift in the political landscape of Nepal, where the youth have asserted their voice in a way that challenges conventional practices.

Looking Ahead

Analysts suggest that while this new approach to leadership selection highlights the innovative spirit of Nepal’s youth, it also underscores the chaotic nature of the country’s ongoing democratic transition. The Discord debate serves as a counter to the traditional closed-door negotiations that have characterized political leadership in Nepal, offering a glimpse into a more transparent and participatory future.

The situation remains fluid, with President Ramchandra Paudel dissolving parliament and calling for a general election in March. The path forward will undoubtedly be influenced by the demands and aspirations of the youth who have taken a stand against corruption and for a more accountable government.

Key Facts

– **Platform Used**: Discord, a messaging app popular among gamers.
– **Protests Triggered**: Sparked by the government’s ban on social media platforms.
– **Casualties**: At least 72 people killed during protests against the government.
– **Candidates Shortlisted**: Five candidates, including former Chief Justice Sushila Karki.
– **Karki’s Tenure**: Pledged to serve as interim Prime Minister for no longer than six months.
– **Next Steps**: President Paudel has called for general elections in March.

Source: www.aljazeera.com