The construction of political narratives in South American electoral campaigns: a social media analysis

Introduction: Contemporary political communication is characterized by a "narrative turn," where politicians and parties strategically employ stories to construct identities, mobilize the masses, and legitimize their power. This study aims to analyze the frequency with which presidential candidates resort to political narratives and to assess whether the trend towards a 'narrative turn' in electoral campaigns is confirmed. Methodology A quantitative exploratory content analysis was conducted on social media posts (Instagram, X, Facebook, and TikTok) by presidential candidates in seven South American countries. Variables related to the presence of political narratives, their nature, predominant themes, and public reactions were coded. Data reliability was ensured through a rigorous coding process and inter-rater analysis. Results: The study reveals a predominance of narrative content in South American presidential campaigns, confirming the "narrative turn" in political communication. Personalized storytelling outperforms storydoing, suggesting a preference for first-person stories. Discussion: Candidates prioritize proselytizing themes, but the public shows greater interest in personalized storytelling, questioning the effectiveness of storydoing. Conclusions: The results exhibit a transformation in political communication, where narratives and images play a central role. Citizens value emotional connection and identification with candidates, posing challenges for the construction of a more informed and rational public debate.