World · Latin America · 11 hrs ago
Brazilian politicians turn social media followings into election victories
In Brazil, politicians are using social media to build support and win elections.
Eduarda Campopiano, known for provocative videos, won nearly two million votes in the election on October 4 and became the most-voted candidate for São Paulo’s regional legislature.
Nikolas Ferreira, a lawmaker with 22.6 million Instagram followers, won more than three million votes for the lower house, a record.
His viral video spreading false claims about the Pix payment system also helped trigger a major crisis for President Lula’s government.
The article says large online followings can now help politicians build careers even without a traditional political base.
Brazil’s political social media audiences are much larger than those of leading politicians in Germany and Switzerland, though similar trends are beginning in Europe.
Flávio Bolsonaro led Lula by 47% to 45% in the presidential vote, and a runoff is scheduled for October 25.
Brazilian politicians are turning large social media followings into votes and election victories.
Eduarda Campopiano, who has about 2.4 million Instagram followers, won nearly two million votes in the São Paulo state election and was the country’s most-voted regional legislator.
Nikolas Ferreira won more than three million votes for the lower house, setting a record.
The article says social media can build political careers and help candidates reach voters without a traditional political base.
Right-wing politicians with at least 200,000 Instagram followers won record results in nine Brazilian states.
- Who
- Brazilian politicians including Eduarda Campopiano and Nikolas Ferreira.
- What
- Politicians used large social media followings to win votes and seats in elections.
- When
- The elections were held on October 4; a presidential runoff was scheduled for October 25.
- Where
- Brazil, including São Paulo state.
- Why
- Social media allows politicians to build audiences and political careers and turn followers into voters.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Eduardo Bolsonaro set the previous record with 1.84 million votes for the lower house.
Nikolas Ferreira’s video about alleged monitoring of the Pix payment system was viewed more than 300 million times, according to the article.
Campopiano won nearly two million votes in São Paulo state, while Ferreira won more than three million votes for the lower house.
A presidential runoff between Flávio Bolsonaro and incumbent Lula was scheduled.
- Campopiano’s Instagram following
- About 2.4 million
- Campopiano’s vote total
- Nearly 2 million
- Ferreira’s vote total
- More than 3 million
- Ferreira’s Instagram following
- 22.6 million
- Right-wing politicians’ results
- Record results in nine states for politicians with at least 200,000 Instagram followers
What people are saying
Today one can be elected through social media alone, even without a political base.
Without catechesis, Indigenous people would have remained cannibals who kill their children.
Sources
Related news
São Paulo police fired at least 24 shots at a man after he fell
Mexico and US coordinate border drone operation as procurement questions remain
Hurricane Simon weakens to Category 3 but threatens Mexico’s Pacific coast
Record 52,000 pilgrims traveled Via Dutra, with no deaths reported
Panama quake leaves rural communities isolated from aid
Hurricane Simon weakens to Category 2 but threatens rain in three states
Magnitude 6 earthquake strikes Panama
10-year-old girl dies after drowning at water park in Ceará
Authorities seize 48 drones and explosives in Sinaloa operation
Magnitude 7.7 earthquake damages buildings in Panama
Three men convicted over 2024 murders of surfers in Mexico
