Setback For Wyclef’s Presidential Ambition   

Haitian-American musician, song writer and record producer, Wyclef Jean failed to meet the requirements to contest for the position of President in Haiti. Jean’s ambition to be the number one man of Haiti was dashed by the country’s electoral council. Haiti has stringent requirements for presidential candidates. Article no. 157 of Chapter III Section C, states that the presidential candidate should be a native-born Haitian and never have renounced Haitian nationality, have attained 30 years of age, enjoy civil and political rights and never have been sentenced to death, personal restraint or penal servitude or the loss of civil rights. The aspirant must also own real property in Haiti and practise a profession there, have resided in the county for five consecutive years, and have been relieved of his responsibilities if he has been handling public funds and has never been a citizen of a different country.

• Wyclef Jean.

The electoral council dismissed Jean on the grounds that he does not have the residency requirements. Jean has since reacted to the ruling that he is not eligible to contest. He said since he was appointed a roving ambassador in 2007, he could not afford to stay in Haiti for five consecutive years. He says he owns a property in Haiti and only has the USA Green Card and not a dual citizenship; he claims to always travel with his Haitian passport.

Jean believes that the Haiti politicians do not want him to run. “I have documents which show everything is correct. I feel that what is going on here has everything to do with Haitian politics. They are trying to keep us out of the race,” he said.

“Though I disagree with the ruling, I respectfully accept the committee’s final decision, and I urge my supporters to do the same,” he added.

Jean left Haiti for New York at the age of nine with his family and since then spent most of his life in the United States of America before announcing his intention to run. The former Fugees star’s aspiration to become the President of the poorest Caribbean country began on 12 January 2010, when Port-au-Prince, capital of Haiti, was struck by a 7.0 magnitude earthquake that resulted in the loss of over 200,000 lives and property valued at billions of dollars.

Though he was in the US at the time of the disaster, he immediately plunged into action by raising funds and asking for help from individuals and corporate organisations. He used social network sites like Twitter and Facebook to appeal to people all around the world for aid. He also raised funds via text-message donations and shows.

Tags:  Haiti, Haitian-American musician, President in Haiti, Wyclef Jean