Singer Wyclef files to run for Haiti's presidency

[tabatha]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38576407

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — Singer Wyclef Jean submitted the paperwork Thursday to run for president of Haiti, formally thrusting himself into what is expected to be a highly competitive race and ending years of speculation about his political ambitions.

Several hundred supporters of the hip hop artist-turned-politician cheered as he arrived by motorcade in a dark suit and tie at an electoral office in this capital city still largely in ruins from the devastating Jan. 12 earthquake. Jean, who was born in Haiti but raised in Brooklyn, stood on top of an SUV and bowed to the crowd.

"It's a moment in time and in history," Jean, who was accompanied by his wife and daughter, told The Associated Press as he went to hand in his candidacy papers, 10 minutes before the office closed. "It's very emotional."

Wyclef Jean Seeks to ’Change the System’ in Haiti

http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-08-05/wyclef-jean-seeks-to-change-the-system-in-haiti.html

Aug. 5 (Bloomberg) -- Haitian-born hip-hop artist Wyclef Jean, whose hits include a 2004 song about becoming president, said if elected to Haiti’s top post in the Nov. 28 vote he will reduce the nation’s dependence on imports and help it recover from a devastating earthquake.

Jean announced his candidacy for the Haitian presidency today in an interview with Miami radio station Tropik Radio and pledged to improve education, feed the poor and use his superstar image to attract investment from abroad.

“We should change the system for the 250,000 people that died in the earthquake,” Jean said. His campaign will use the slogan “face to face” to attract young voters, he said.