He can rap, sing, play the drums, piano and guitar,
win Grammys and sell millions of records, but
has Wyclef Jean the ability to bring harmony to a
shattered nation?
The world may be about to find out. The ex-Fugees star has announced he is considering a run for president of Haiti. Extreme poverty, earthquake devastation and combustible electioneering make it arguably the toughest job in politics.
The 37-year-old Haitian-born musician responded to months of rumors with a statement from his family confirming he may enter November’s election.
“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. If and when a decision is made, media will be alerted immediately.”
The letter, signed “the Jean Family,” was authenticated by the singer’s spokeswoman and ended his repeated denials about wanting to become president. Though short of a formal declaration it paved the way for imminent entry into the race. Paperwork to register the candidacy has been completed.
Jean’s popularity with young Haitians, his work as a roving ambassador for the country and the lack of a clear frontrunner appeared to make him a credible, if unlikely, contender.
“The race is wide open so anything is possible,” said Michael Shifter, of the Inter-American Dialogue think tank. “Jean has name recognition but is unaccustomed to the rough and tumble of Haitian politics. He would have to be considered a long-shot.”
Ruling Haiti was a fraught task even before an earthquake in January killed an estimated 230,000 people and left 1 million homeless. A basket-case economy left many living on just US$2 a day while UN troops tried to control criminal gangs and keep order in the slums.
With political parties dueling in the senate, presidents were more likely to be overthrown, assassinated or installed as despots rather than complete constitutionally mandated five-year terms.
A CAMPAIGN IN THE MAKING
Jean, however, may feel he stands a chance given his versatility and success. Born the son of a pastor near the capital Port-au-Prince, as a boy he moved with his family to New York.
He dropped out of college and with Lauryn Hill and Pras Michel formed the Fugees, a hip-hop outfit whose second album, The Score, sold more than 18 million copies and won a Grammy in 1996.
Jean crossed into R ’n’ B, folk and other genres with a solo career garlanded with MTV awards and collaborations with other stars. He also produced records and acted in a slew of films and documentaries.
In 2005, Jean established the Yele Haiti Foundation to provide hurricane relief and scholarships and two years later was appointed a roving ambassador by President Rene Preval. He rubbed shoulders with politicians, aid agencies and diplomats and began to be spoken of as a possible successor to Preval. He dismissed the speculation in 2008: “I don’t want and I am not going to run for president. In the end, I am a rap star and I don’t see myself behind a desk sitting as president.”
The tune, or lyrics, changed in a recent interview with CNN. “I can’t sing forever,” said Jean, adding that fellow Haitians had “drafted” him into politics. Preval must step down this year, leaving the field open.
Skeptics question the musician’s suitability for the job. With a capital in ruins and reconstruction efforts stalled along with US$5 billion in promised aid Haiti, needs an experienced manager and technocrat, said Larry Birns, head of the Washington-based Council on Hemispheric Affairs.
“In this situation what you want is someone who is focused and has legal training and a bookkeeper’s mind. Jean seems to want the job on a part-time basis. He’s a darter, he goes in and out. Haiti needs full-time commitment.”
Jean will need to prove he has resided in Haiti for five consecutive years, own property in the country and have never been a citizen of any country other than Haiti.
Other candidates may use those criteria to disqualify their celebrity rival, not least because he is understood to have US citizenship. Rows over the electoral council and a ban on certain parties could make for a tumultuous campaign.
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