Nepal’s young protesters have introduced digital democracy, selecting an interim prime minister through a nationwide online debate after weeks of unrest.

After Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned, President Ramchandra Paudel dissolved parliament and set March elections. In response, protest group Hami Nepal organised a virtual debate on Discord. Over 10,000 participants engaged directly, while thousands more followed on YouTube.

Although the vote had no constitutional standing, it symbolised unity. The choice of former Supreme Court Chief Justice Sushila Karki, later confirmed through official channels, reflected a grassroots demand for accountability.

Karki, sworn in on Friday, is Nepal’s first female chief justice and a figure respected for her independence. She previously fought corruption, including sending a minister to jail in 2012, and resisted political interference during her tenure.

Observers see the experiment as a democratic milestone. Young citizens rejected closed-door deals, instead fostering open debate and transparency during political turmoil. For Nepal’s Gen Z, the digital process represents a demand for reform and a rejection of entrenched corruption.

This bold step highlights how technology and youth activism are reshaping governance in one of South Asia’s most fragile democracies.

Photo: wikicommons