Politics
Lula's Army WhatsApp channel: How it fueled Brazil's election comeback
The Lula's Army WhatsApp channel played a pivotal role in the unexpected re-election of Brazil's president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. This digital operation grew to 10.8 million followers, helping Lula overcome a significant deficit against right-wing challenger Flávio Bolsonaro in just three weeks. By coordinating massive online engagement, the channel reversed a long-standing digital dominance held by conservative forces. This article examines the mechanics of the 'Lula's Army' operation, the strategic shift in digital mobilisation, and the debate over its actual electoral impact.
By Alister Thorne