Globalization
Nepal Chooses Its First Female Prime Minister on Discord: What It Reveals About Social Media and Democracy
Nepal elected Sushila Karki as prime minister through Discord during protests in 2025, due to the lack of institutional channels and dependence on digital platforms in the political crisis. Social media fragments public conversation, favoring polarization and misinformation. The use of Discord allowed for Karki’s legitimate election. Economic digitization in Nepal responds to the lack of diversification and dependence on remittances. The blocking of social media triggered youth protests, turning Discord into the main space for deliberation and election.
October 2, 2025