How 'Lula's Army' WhatsApp chat helped turn Brazil election around
Summary
A WhatsApp channel called “Lula’s Army” grew to 10.8 million followers while supporting Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s campaign against Flávio Bolsonaro. Lula’s allies credit the channel with helping shift the race, but political scientists say its direct effect on votes is impossible to measure and point to the campaign’s grassroots work and changed messaging as other factors.Key Facts
- Congressman André Janones led the WhatsApp operation.
- The channel grew rapidly between the election’s two rounds and reached 10.8 million followers.
- It encouraged supporters to share videos, promote hashtags and recruit voters.
- Messages gave followers ready-made posts and specific social-media tasks.
- Janones hosted a 24-hour livestream on the eve of the election.
- Lula thanked Janones in his victory speech and called him “our General.”
- Political scientist Denilde Holzhacker said the campaign combined online activity with local, in-person efforts.
- Holzhacker said researchers cannot determine how many votes, if any, the WhatsApp operation directly influenced.
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