Wyclef Jean to run for president of Haiti

Music star and activist Wyclef Jean is set to announce that he will be running for President of Haiti

Music star and activist Wyclef Jean is set to announce that he will be running for the highest office in his native Haiti, according to CNN reports on Tuesday.

Rumors are rife that the hip-hop star will run for president and CNN sources said that the artist will confirm his plan during the network’s “Larry King Live” show on Tuesday.

The 37-year old singer’s spokesperson confirmed the television appearance to AFP but did not give further comments.

The Grammy award-winning Wyclef was designated as goodwill ambassador of Haiti in 2007 by current president Rene Preval, who is prohibited by the constitution to seek another term. The elections are scheduled on November 28.

The impoverished country is still reeling from the devastating January 12 earthquake that killed 250,000 and left 1.5 million Haitians and other nationalities.

Despite the huge humanitarian disaster, Preval is accused by critics of wanting to extend beyond his office terms that is set to end in February 2011, adding political turmoil to the battered nation.

When asked for comment last week, Wyclef’s family did not confirm nor deny his presidential bid, only saying that "Wyclef's commitment to his homeland and its youth is boundless and he will remain its greatest supporter regardless of whether he is part of the government moving forward."

The Haitian singer, who lives in New York, has traveled to his native land repeatedly over the last several months with the hope of easing tension and violence brought about by the disaster. He founded Yele Haiti Foundation and has played a leading role in seeking financial and humanitarian aid after the earthquake that destroyed much of the nation’s capital, Port-au-Prince.

Posted by Kade Quinn on Wednesday August 04 2010, 11:06 AM EST. All trademarks acknowledged. Filed under Entertainment, Featured News. Comments and Trackbacks closed. Follow responses: RSS 2.0