In the latest stretch of the re-election campaign, licensed Gov. Carlos Moises da Silva, the Republican nominee for re-election, interrupted his schedule to record a video complaining and asking voters: “If you received a fake news video about me on your WhatsApp, know that it was sent by thieves,” he says at the very beginning of the message, emphasizing that the Federal Police were called in to find those responsible for what he calls the “lies” exposed in the application.

Governor Moises has recorded a video in which he claims to have been the victim of fake news. Photo: Disclosure/ND

“Who finances such things? What is the interest in attacking me on the eve of the elections?” the candidate asks. An apocryphal video circulating online attributes accusations to Moses, such as being under investigation.

The candidate alleges that he was impeached “for political reasons in connection with the takeover of a respirator company in the midst of a pandemic” and that “his public, political and private actions were carefully examined, which proves that he never committed any illegal actions.”

The governor also claims that he led the government’s anti-corruption efforts, such as the renegotiation of bidding contracts, which resulted in savings of R$550 million, allowing for investment in education and health care.

“Fake news and shootouts on WhatsApp are illegal criminal practices designed to confuse voters. Research, inform yourself, don’t fall for fake news. Truth will triumph over lies,” the candidate said.