Many people have strong opinions about Wyclef Jean’s desire to run in Haiti’s next presidential election. He is not officially a candidate yet but is already receiving anonymous death threats.
The 40-year old is in hiding in an undisclosed location in the Caribbean after receiving the email death threats.
The Grammy winner may not even be eligible to run in the election. To qualify, candidates must have resided in Haiti for five straight years before an election. Wyclef Jean does not meet this requirement but believes he can still run. He was appointed a roving ambassador in 2007 and claims this makes him eligible.
Jean is waiting for a ruling by Haiti’s electoral commission. He has been criticized by people who don’t think he is qualified to run. Actor Sean Penn is one vocal critic and even his former bandmate, Pras, from the Fugees will not give his support.