Key facts
- Lula supporters organized grassroots efforts to help voters reach polls after bus disruptions.
- President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva secured an unprecedented fourth term.
- Many buses in Salvador, Brazil, were not running on election day.
- Lula's campaign expanded its WhatsApp channel 'Lula's Army' to over 10 million followers.
- Uber drivers offered free rides across Brazil on election day.
President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva secured an unprecedented fourth term in Brazil's election, aided by a massive get-out-the-vote drive by his supporters. After an unexpected first-round lead by right-wing Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, Lula's campaign and supporters mobilized through innovative social media initiatives, free taxi rides, and grassroots efforts to overcome voter apathy and disruptions.
In Salvador, a Lula stronghold, a significant number of public buses inexplicably stopped running on election day, impacting voter mobility. Despite the challenges, Lula supporters, including history teacher Martins Mafra and Gabriel Mercury, organized volunteer drivers and offered free rides to help people reach polling stations. Uber drivers also provided thousands of free rides across the country.
Lula's campaign team, aware of the need to re-energize their base, rebooted their strategy after the first round. Lawmaker Andre Janones significantly expanded a WhatsApp channel called 'Lula's Army,' reaching over 10 million followers. Political analysts noted that Lula's team successfully capitalized on missteps by the Bolsonaro camp to convince voters about the potential threats to democracy and social welfare.