In Nepal, during anti-corruption protests, activists utilized artificial intelligence and social media for the first time to select an interim head of government. According to reports from foreign publications, ChatGPT and the Discord platform played a key role in this process.
This is reported by Business • Media
Candidate Selection Using AI and Online Voting
After mass protests against corruption, participants in the “Youth Against Corruption” movement came up with the idea to consult ChatGPT about who could lead the transitional government. The artificial intelligence suggested the candidacy of Sushila Karki – the former Chief Justice of the country. She was identified as a compromise figure capable of uniting various political forces and implementing necessary reforms.
Among alternative candidates for leadership were also mentioned the mayor of Dhankuta, Harka Sampanga, and the mayor of Kathmandu, Balen Shah, who is known in Nepal as a rap performer.
Mobilization Through Discord and Public Reaction
Discord played a significant role in mobilizing participants. On the Youths Against Corruption server, which united over 130,000 participants, a large-scale online vote took place. More than half of the votes were cast for Sushila Karki, solidifying her leadership among the protesting youth. The server was used not only for voting but also for discussing options for the future political structure of the country, nominating candidates, and coordinating protest actions.
“After the events, the mayor of Kathmandu, Balen Shah, praised the youth for their ‘enthusiasm, foresight, and integrity.’ His name was also mentioned as a potential candidate for the premiership, but it was Karki who received the most support in online communities.”
Despite the innovative approach, part of Nepalese society views it with skepticism. Critics doubt the legitimacy of such a selection and emphasize that deeper studies and an official mandate are needed for changes in the state, rather than just recommendations from a chatbot and voting on social media.
It is worth noting that currently, other major international media outlets have not confirmed the accuracy of information regarding the scale of the voting and the influence of Discord and ChatGPT on the selection of the interim leader. The facts and details of this event remain a subject of discussion.