Nepal – Seventy-two lives were lost and over one thousand people were injured during recent anti-corruption protests in Nepal, which culminated in the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. The protests spurred the election of the country’s first female prime minister, who was appointed in a groundbreaking virtual vote on Discord, reports 24brussels.
Gen Z turning Nepal into the One Piece universe
On September 4th, the Nepalese government attempted to ban 26 social media platforms, citing violations of local regulations on misinformation and an effort to impose value-added tax rules on foreign e-service providers. In response, tens of thousands, primarily young people, protested in Kathmandu against the infringement of their rights.
The uprising was symbolized by the pirate flag from the popular Japanese anime One Piece, representing a refusal to remain silent in the face of corruption. Protesters contended that the social media ban was the catalyst for their discontent, alleging that Prime Minister Oli’s government had long been marked by nepotism and corruption.
This government move highlighted a growing disconnect with the youth, who increasingly rely on social media for income. Years of nepotism had left many in Nepal unable to earn a living wage. The protests grew in intensity, resulting in 19 deaths by September 8 as police used lethal force to disperse demonstrators. The following day, under pressure, Prime Minister Oli resigned amid widespread condemnation for what became one of the deadliest periods in Nepalese history.
The turmoil continued with widespread destruction, including the burning of government buildings such as the parliament and local officials’ residences as a reaction to police violence. Additionally, approximately 900 prisoners escaped during the chaos, further destabilizing the situation.
As of now, 72 individuals have been confirmed dead, with over a thousand injured. Despite police claims that only rubber bullets were used, victims’ families are demanding accountability for the deaths of their loved ones.
An unorthodox election
In an unprecedented move, the new prime minister was elected using a unique method. Disenchanted with the three main political parties that have governed since the abolition of the monarchy in 2008, the youth group Hami Nepal took it upon themselves to organize elections on Discord, gathering over 10,000 participants.
With additional access issues for some citizens, a concurrent livestream on YouTube allowed about 6,000 additional viewers to participate in discussions regarding their governance. A virtual poll enabled participants to nominate their interim prime minister, while a dedicated sub-room for fact-checking mitigated the spread of misinformation during the event. Notably, Discord and YouTube were among the platforms the former government sought to ban.
Greeting the promise of a new day
On September 12, President Ramchandra Paudel officially dissolved parliament and appointed Sushila Karki as interim Prime Minister. At 73, Karki, a former Supreme Court chief justice, becomes Nepal’s first female prime minister.
“I did not wish for this job. It was after voices from the streets that I was compelled to accept,”
Karki emphasized that her role would be temporary, set to transition after elections scheduled for March 5, 2026. She has pledged to investigate the violence that occurred during the protests and is expected to announce a cabinet within days. Chief Secretary Eknarayan Aryal stated that the government will recognize those who died in the protests as martyrs and offer support to victims’ families, while hospitals will provide free medical care to the injured.
Simultaneously, the country’s eight major political parties have urged the reinstatement of the previous parliament, claiming President Poudel acted unconstitutionally. However, they acknowledged the imperative of addressing the protesters’ demands through a citizen-elected body.
