Wyclef Jean Quits Pursuit Of Haiti Presidency

Written By S. Samuel

Entertainer Wyclef Jean has officially ended his quest to become the next president of Haiti.

1.7k Views Comments Off on Wyclef Jean Quits Pursuit Of Haiti Presidency

 Via statement, Jean explained his decision to cease fighting to gain eligibility to run.

“After weeks of quiet but painstaking reflection with my wife and daughter, I have chosen to end my bid for the presidency of Haiti,” Jean said in a statement. “This was not an easy conclusion to reach; but it is one that was thoughtfully made, taking into account many, many competing factors and weighing the course that will best advance the healing of the country and help it find the quickest path to recovery.” (MTV)

Prior to the statement, Jean expressed his passion to become president via Twitter.

“Me Running for president was never about winning or losing, it has always been in my D N A to make sure that my Country is never Forgotten,” he tweeted last week. (Wyclef Jean’s Twitter)

After being ruled ineligible by Haitian election officials last month, Clef initially said he would appeal the decision.

“After careful consideration and much soul-searching, I have made the decision to contest Haiti’s board of elections’ pronouncement stating that I am ineligible to run for the presidency of the country,” Jean said in a statement. “I will be seeking a solution through legal channels, and I urge my countrymen to be patient through this process. In the 36 hours since the board’s decision, I have been in constant conversation with my family, friends and advisers, and reading the comments of good people and supporters throughout the Haitian diaspora. I’ve also been closely monitoring the situation on the ground, which I am happy to report has remained peaceful and thoughtful…These factors, and more, inspire me now. I am heartened by the world’s focus on Haiti and its needs, as well as the great spirit of the Haitian people–my people, and I cannot in good conscience give up my quest to lead Haiti to the greatness I know in my heart we are capable of reaching. I cannot surrender now, simply because an obstacle has been set before me; now is the time I must stand up and show Haiti–and the world–that my vision of a nation renewed and redeveloped is a vision for which I am willing to fight.” (Statement)

The Haiti presidential election will take place at the end of November.

Haiti is scheduled to vote on a new president on November 28. Jean has long been socially active, and he took a prominent role in raising relief money after the Haitian earthquake in January. His charity the Yéle Haiti Foundation came under fire after critics accused him of misusing funds from the organization. He denied the charges and pledged to be more vigilant. (Wall Street Journal)

Check out footage of Wyclef Jean down below:

Comments Off on Wyclef Jean Quits Pursuit Of Haiti Presidency

Written by S. Samuel

Steven Samuel is the co-founder of SOHH.com.

Kanye West

Kanye West Retires “Saturday Night Live” Beef

UPDATE: Island Def Jam’s L.A. Reid Termination Rumor Addressed