How Nepal Made History: The Overthrow of Its Prime Minister and the Election of the First Female Leader

In September 2025, protests led by “Gen Z” spread like wildfire across Nepal over issues of corruption, inequality, and a government ban on 26 major social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, WhatsApp, X, Snapchat, Discord, and many more. These protests ultimately led to the resignation of Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli, the burning of the National Assembly, the imposition of military curfew in the capital, and over 70 confirmed deaths. 

When19 people, mostly under the age of 30, were killed on September 8, vengeful mobs burned and vandalized buildings the next day. Offices of the 3 major parties, the Communist Party of Nepal, the Nepali Congress, and the Maoists, were torched. In addition, a former prime minister and his spouse were beaten up inside their home that was later burnt. The Prime Minister's office, which was a 122 year old relic, alongside the Ministries of Home, Finance, and Health were burnt and The Parliament, the Supreme Court, and multiple other low courts were incinerated. Notably, all of these events occurred in the capital alone.

With mainstream social media networks banned, VPN downloads grew over 8,000% in only a few days making tens of thousands young Nepalese shift to Discord, a messaging app often associated with gamers. On this app various political discussions, candidate debates, and open community polls took place, resulting in former judge Sushila Karki emerging as the new Prime Minister of Nepal with over 50% of the support. She was the first Nepalese woman to ever be elected to office. As it was easily predicted, , it was a tricky and chaotic vote,  especially when it was being livestreamed throughout several social media platforms across not only the nation, but worldwide.  Ironically, Discord was among the 26 apps that were banned.

Ultimately, Nepal’s political upheaval in September 2025 marked a historic turning point for the country. What began as youth-led protests against corruption, inequality, and censorship evolved into the collapse of an entrenched political order and the unprecedented election of the nation’s first female prime minister. This crisis not only demonstrated the risks of social media, but the empowerment it  can signify when faced with such a crisis. While the violence and instability showed how flawed Nepal's political system is, the emergence of a new leader through unconventional means showcased the resilience and growing influence of the younger generations and modern technology in shaping political change.

Nepalese protests