Flávio Bolsonaro Leads Digital Performance Index Despite Controversy

Senator Flávio Bolsonaro achieved the highest digital performance index ever recorded by Datrix among monitored presidential candidates for the month of August. He reached 46.08 points on the IDP (Índice Datrix dos Presidenciáveis), extending his lead over President Lula, who scored 35.88 points. The index measures digital conversation based on a candidate's own channels, mentions by opinion leaders, the tone of posts, and internet search participation.

Bolsonaro's performance comes despite scrutiny regarding approximately 61 million reais sent by Banco Master owner Daniel Vorcaro to a United States fund to finance a cinebiography of Jair Bolsonaro. While the controversy sparked hashtags such as "BolsoMaster" and "Cadê o dinheiro, Flávio?", Datrix reported that negative mentions of the senator actually fell from 45.4 percent in July to 36.5 percent in August. Bolsonaro has described the matter as a closed chapter.

President Lula saw a 53.3 percent increase in mention volume and a 49 percent increase in reach. However, he recorded the highest rate of negative mentions among the six candidates at 46.8 percent. Writer Augusto Cury entered the ranking in third place with 22.76 points, driven by a gain of 2.5 million Instagram followers. Cury has denied accusations that he used bots or hired 200 undeclared influencers to boost these numbers.

Renan Santos took fourth place with 14.14 points, narrowly surpassing Romeu Zema, who scored 13.62 points. Both candidates saw an increase in negative mentions. Ronaldo Caiado finished in sixth place with 11.79 points. Although he had the lowest exposure and volume of mentions, he also had the least negative coverage, with critical mentions dropping to 28.8 percent. Caiado recently publicly contradicted statements made by Gilberto Kassab, who claimed the Centrão supports Lula and that Flávio Bolsonaro has no chance.