Wyclef Jean is not taking “no” for an answer in his quest to become Haiti’s next president. The hip-hop star and activist says he will appeal his rejectionas a candidate to run for the post in Haiti’s upcoming election. On Friday, the country’s provisional electoral council, the CEP, ruled that Jean did not meet the requirement of maintaining a residence in Haiti for five consecutive years before running for the presidency. In a Twitter post Jean said his lawyers were appealing the CEP’s decision. He wrote, quote, “We have met all the requirements set by the laws. And the law must be respected.”
Now 40 years old, Jean left Haiti with his family to live in New York at the age nine. His lawyers say there is evidence that the rapper has been a “constant presence” in the earthquake-ravaged island nation. Jean was among 34 presidential candidates vying to succeed President Rene Preval who is closing out his two-term limit. The council approved 19 candidates and rejected 15.
