A WhatsApp channel known as ‘Lula’s Army’ is being credited with helping reshape the campaign around Brazil’s election after polling indicated that Lula faced defeat.
Millions of people joined the channel during the campaign, creating a large online network centred on support for Lula. Its growth is described as a significant shift in digital enthusiasm at a time when the election outlook appeared unfavourable.
The channel’s importance lay not only in the number of people connected to it, but also in its ability to turn online engagement into mobilisation beyond the platform. Supporters were encouraged to carry that enthusiasm into real-world activity, helping to build momentum during the election campaign.
The network is therefore presented as an example of how messaging platforms can influence political campaigns by linking large numbers of supporters and helping organise activity outside the internet. The available account does not provide further details about the channel’s organisers, specific activities or the final election result.
