Elections are usually considered a very serious event. With democracy, each citizen is able to cast their vote to express their political opinion. Although it differs from state to state, most countries use an electoral system that receives each vote with a stamp on paper. Usually, these elections are the unsurprising default method of democratically selecting a leader. However, the world was shocked with Nepal’s recent interim elections. Not because of the result, but because of the use of an online gaming social app called Discord.

The context of the election is the mass protests of Nepal in September 2025, over corruption, inequality and government censorship. Interestingly, the government banned many major social media apps, angering the youth. Protestors used Discord to debate and elect Sushila Karki as interim prime minister, the first woman to fill the role. The vote was recognized, making it a historically significant event for Gen Z protestors and the future of politics.

It is interesting how the way democracy carries its message changes as it is given to later generations. It is important to note that this election is as meaningful as others with different formats. It’s democratic value should not be dumbed down just because it was held on Discord, especially considering that the first female interim prime minister of Nepal was elected too. Nevertheless, it is notable evolution of current democratic systems.

By Evelyn Joo