Haiti-born hip-hop star Wyclef Jean was of the most visible celebrities helping Haitians who were struck by the earthquake in January 2010. In early August 2010, he registered as a candidate for the country’s presidential election to be held in November 28, 2010. While some think he could be good for the country, there are questions about whether or not he is qualified to lead as president.
Wyclef Jean’s Commitment to Haiti
Wycklef Jean, the Grammy award-winning, Haitian-American hip-hop star, jumped into politics early this August and it was not a total surprise. Many of Wycklef Jean’s lyrics are about racism and police brutality - like in the 911 lyrics - violence and inequality, for instance in his song If I was President that was a prelude to more recent developments in his public life.
The star played an important role in helping the Haitian population following the earthquake that struck the country in January 2010. 300.000 people died, thousands of buildings were destroyed, including most government ministries, and about 1.500 million were left homeless. The singer managed to raise about nine million dollars through his charity, the Yele Foundation, whose effort was discredited by accusations of financial irregularities.
Wyclef Jean’s Agenda: Education, Employment and Agriculture
As a candidate for Haiti's presidency, Wyclef Jean has focused his agenda on education, job creation and agriculture. The singer has repeatedly admitted his inexperience when it comes to politics. However, he stressed his intentions to surround himself with top policy experts. If he won, Jean would replace replace Rene Preval, who has faced criticism for how his government responded to the devastating earthquake in January 2010.
Wyclef Jean left Haiti for the U.S. when he was nine years old, but he is very popular among young people. According to the journalist Kim Ives, who writes for the newspaper Haiti Liberté, the singer will probably attract a lot of interest for this reason. He is widely admired in Haiti, she affirms, and credited with never having forgotten his Haitian roots.
Criticism and Obstacles Complicate Wyclef Jean’s Campaign
Despite youngsters’ admiration, Wyclef Jean’s campaign has met so far with more criticism than praise. Besides a general skepticism about his skills as a potential president, he is facing various obstacles. In particular – as highlighted by Aljazeera - he has to acknowledge fiscal irregularities in his charity and his support for the 2004 coup d’etat that ousted President Jean-Bertrand Aristide.
Because he is a long-term resident of New Jersey, critics also argue that Wyclef Jean does not meet the constitutional residency requirements. Haiti’s constitution, in fact, says presidential candidates must have lived in Haiti for five years preceding the vote. Jean, who holds a Haitian passport and an American green-card, defended his position by affirming that his status as Haitian goodwill ambassador will address the irregularity.
Many have criticised Wyclef Jean’s candidacy for his lack of experience, because he does not have a definitive plan to govern the country and for he lacks political vision necessary to be president. He responded that what really counts for him is the population of Haiti and the reconstruction of the country. Only the elections in November 28, 2010 will tell if Wyclef Jean will have succeeded in convincing Haitians he is the right man for their country.
Sources
- “Rap star to seek Haitian presidency,” Aljazeera, (Accessed on August 10, 2010).
- “Wyclef Jean to seek Haitian presidency,” TIME (Accessed on August 10, 2010).
- “ Musicians, Doctors, Activists, Technocrats and Politicians: 34 Candidates Bid for Haiti ’s Presidency The Drama of Haiti’s Internally Displaced,” by Kim Ives, Haiti Liberté, (Accessed on August 16, 2010).
Elena Mozzato - A political economist specialized in international development, she combines a sound knowledge with a genuine passion for contemporary ...
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