Artificial intelligence has entered an entirely new arena—politics. According to reports from The Times and several regional media outlets, protesters in Nepal turned to ChatGPT and Discord to select a temporary leader during a wave of anti-corruption demonstrations. While the authenticity of these claims has not yet been confirmed by major international outlets, the story highlights how quickly digital tools are being adopted in political decision-making.
The movement known as Youths Against Corruption reportedly began by asking ChatGPT to suggest a candidate capable of uniting diverse communities and guiding the nation through reform. The AI named Sushila Karki, the former Chief Justice of Nepal’s Supreme Court, describing her as a compromise figure with the credibility to gain public trust. Her selection resonated strongly with activists who were seeking an alternative to traditional politicians. Competing names included Dharan’s mayor Harka Sampang and Kathmandu’s mayor Balen Shah, a well-known rapper, yet the majority rallied behind Karki due to her perceived neutrality and integrity.
The process did not stop at AI recommendations. Protesters organized large-scale online debates and community voting through Discord, a platform more commonly associated with gaming and youth communities. On the “Youths Against Corruption” server, which has attracted more than 130,000 members, thousands participated in digital voting. Reports suggest that over half of the votes went to Karki, securing her as the preferred interim leader among engaged activists. Discord also served as a hub for political discussions, candidate proposals, and coordination of protest actions, showcasing the growing power of online networks to replace traditional political spaces in times of institutional instability.
This digital experiment unfolded against a backdrop of escalating street protests in Kathmandu, where demonstrators clashed with authorities after the government imposed a ban on social media platforms such as Facebook and YouTube. The ban was seen as an attempt to stifle dissent, further fueling anger over corruption and lack of accountability. Several government buildings and politicians’ residences were attacked in the chaos. Even as tensions rose, Mayor Balen Shah praised the youth for their “passion, foresight, and honesty,” although his own name was among the proposed prime ministerial candidates. Despite this, the symbolic victory went to Karki, who emerged as a digital-era figurehead for the protest movement.
Not everyone in Nepal was convinced by this unconventional approach. Critics questioned the legitimacy of relying on AI recommendations and Discord polls to make leadership choices, warning that political change requires formal legal frameworks rather than what one commentator dismissed as “just a chatbot and Discord.” Others noted that the lack of verification from established international media outlets leaves uncertainty about the scale of voting and the actual influence of these tools.
The situation may still be developing, but it demonstrates an undeniable global trend: artificial intelligence and online platforms are beginning to reshape political processes in real time. From mobilizing grassroots movements to influencing leadership choices, digital tools are no longer confined to entertainment or private use. The Nepal case may not lead to an immediate government transition, yet it offers a glimpse into a future where technology and democracy are deeply intertwined, raising both opportunities and challenges for governance in the digital age.
