Digital Era Generation-Z Political Participation (A Study of Prime Minister Election Legitimacy in Nepal via Discord from the Perspective of Fiqh Siyasah)

Abstract

The intersection of digital technology and political legitimacy has created unprecedented phenomena in contemporary democratic transitions. This study analyzes the September 2025 Nepal crisis, where Generation-Z successfully orchestrated Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli's resignation and supported Sushila Karki's inauguration as Nepal's first female interim Prime Minister through Discord platform coordination. Using qualitative methodology with case study approach, this research explores how fiqh siyasah concepts provide legitimacy frameworks for digital political participation. Data were obtained from credible international media sources, classical-contemporary fiqh siyasah literature, and digital democracy studies. Results indicate that Nepal's leadership transition, triggered by anti-corruption protests and social media restrictions, demonstrates alignment with Islamic political principles including syura (consultation), ijma' (consensus), and maslaha (public interest). Discord as digital deliberative space reflects modern implementation of Islamic democratic values, though formal constitutional legitimacy remains essential. This research contributes to developing Islamic political legitimacy theory in the digital era and provides new perspectives on fiqh siyasah implementation in political transitions led by digital native generations. The study reveals that 7,713 Discord participants voted, with Karki receiving 50% support (3,833 votes), marking history as the first world leader elected through a gaming platform.