Communication and Public Relations Trends in Electoral Campaigns. The Case of the BNG Strategy in the 2024 Galician Elections

Abstract

This research examines recent trends in political communication during electoral campaigns, based on a case study of the Bloque Nacionalista Galego (BNG) campaign for the elections to the Galician Parliament in February 2024. The campaign stands out for its integration of public relations techniques and the effective use of new digital platforms, which were crucial for the wide dissemination of their political messages. Ana Pontón, BNG candidate, played a central role in the party’s communication strategy. The campaign’s personalization highlights the importance of the emotional and political connection through the figure of the candidate, an approach that encourages greater engagement and more authentic communication with voters. BNG’s multiplatform strategy proved to be effective in capturing the attention of the younger electorate, using visual content and interactive formats adapted to the consumption habits of this demographic group. The campaign also benefited from the participation of influential national and international figures, whose testimonies provided credibility and helped amplify the reach of the party’s messages. An innovative aspect was the use of artivism as a communication tool, which not only attracted attention but also facilitated political participation and debate. This technique reflects a shift toward campaigns that prioritize visual narrative and interactivity, moving away from traditional political propaganda formats. Finally, the BNG campaign was characterized by a predominantly positive and non-confrontational tone, avoiding tension and focusing on constructive proposals. This approach appears to have resonated well with voters, especially those tired of political polarization, and suggests a shift toward more ethical and transparent campaign practices.