Music

Wyclef Jean appealing presidential ineligibility

by Ciaran Thompson

Last Friday, Haiti’s electoral commission decided former Fugees member Wyclef Jean was ineligible to run for president of the Republic of Haiti in the upcoming election set to take place later this year. To run one must live in Haiti for a minimum of five years prior to an election. Jean currently resides in the States.

After the commission’s announcement the rapper/producer graciously admitted defeat with a post on his Twitter page saying, “It is with a heavy heart that I tell you today that the board of elections in Haiti has disqualified me from my run for the presidency of the country. Though I disagree with the ruling, I respectfully accept the committee’s final decision, and I urge my supporters to do the same. We must all honor the memories of those we’ve lost–whether in the earthquake, or at anytime–by responding peacefully and responsibly to this disappointment.”

However yesterday Jean had a change of heart and the desire to be at the forefront of rebuilding the damaged country after two earthquakes earlier this year reappeared. Speaking from his house in Haiti Jean told the Associated Press he had documentation about his candidacy “which shows everything is correct.” Jean feels the fact that he was serving as ambassador of Haiti since 2007 exempts him from the residency requirement.

He took to Twitter once again to post what will be the next steps in his campaign. “Tomorrow our Lawyers are appealing the decision of the CEP,” he wrote. “We have met all the requirements set by the laws. And the law must be Respected.” [BBC]