CaribWorldNews, NEW YORK, NY, Weds. July 29, 2010: Blogs and entertainment sites were abuzz this week with rumors that Haitian-born Grammy Award-winning star, turned ambassador at large, Wyclef Jean, could run for President of Haiti.
The reports came following Jean`s appearance at NASDAQ, where he was joined by Yele team members as well as Haitian friends and delegates in ringing the opening bell at the stock exchange to mark the six month anniversary of the earthquake disaster in his homeland.
The former Fugees leader has been at the forefront of relief efforts for the perennially impoverished Caribbean nation since January 12th, despite criticism that money raised in past years by his organization has gone towards more administrative costs than on the ground help.
But with elections set in the country on November 28th, the rumor mill has begun buzzing that Jean may consider throwing his hat in the ring. But so far his family has released a statement saying: `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. At this time, Wyclef Jean has not announced his intent to run for Haitian president. If and when a decision is made, media will be alerted immediately.`
Jean for his part has insisted: `Do I have political intentions? At this time, no. But what I do have is a movement — it`s called Face a Face, `Face to Face.` The youth population ... we are going to encourage them to vote.`
Infact, if Jean is to run, he has to announce so by the August 7th deadline and while his celebrity could help him, qualification for the post is another matter. In order to enter the race, Jean would have to prove he has resided in Haiti for five consecutive years, owns property in the country and has never been a citizen of any other country than Haiti.
President Rene Preval is barred from seeking re-election because he will have served two terms, which is the maximum in Haiti, once his current five-year term ends next year.
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