This paper argues that Bolsonaro’s communication campaign in the 2018 Brazilian presidential election, notably through disinformation in WhatsApp may explain his victory. It relates his campaign to...Show moreThis paper argues that Bolsonaro’s communication campaign in the 2018 Brazilian presidential election, notably through disinformation in WhatsApp may explain his victory. It relates his campaign to post-truth politics and disinformation, and populist communication. It draws on agenda-setting effect theory in order to assess the effect of his campaign on the media (traditional and social media) and on voting intentions. The main findings are that (i Bolsonaro managed to influence the media agenda through WhatsApp and (ii this in turn influenced the public agenda and the electorate in his favour. Account must be taken of important technical limitations relating to access to sources and range of media examined.Show less
