It's bull-ogna!
she already had this popularity competition won due to-
-Waifu character (big reason)
-Was in smash bros
-The game she appeared in has more Exposure than the Sacred Stones.

ultimately, because of more exposure. I won't stop you from arguing she's a better character but you can't deny these are the biggest reasons she dominates the competition.

Looks like Ephraim picked a fight he couldn't win