Lula Gets First Smartphone Amid Digital Campaign Shift

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has begun using a smartphone shortly before his 81st birthday, signaling an effort to connect with voters who increasingly engage with politics online. He joked that he was becoming “the king of selfies” and has sought help navigating social media. The shift reflects the growing influence of platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and WhatsApp, where younger candidates have built large followings and won substantial support. Lula is seeking a fourth term in a runoff against Flávio Bolsonaro, who has also used online media to reach voters.