Fri May 18, 2012
Erline Vendredi
Wyclef Jean – Presidential Candidate
By Erline Vendredi, Haiti – August 2010
The Haitian Provisional Electoral Council has approved singer-turned-politician Wyclef Jean’s candidacy for President and he will be able to run in the November election. Jean, who hasn’t lived in Haiti since he was nine, has of late been a pivotal figure associated with Haiti’s future.
In 2007 he was named Honorary Cultural Ambassador of Haiti by President Preval and since the earthquake earlier this year Jean has been raising awareness and money for the country through his concerts. His popularity as a presidential candidate is rising like a tsunami wave mostly amongst urban youths who represent over 50% of Haiti’s population.
But the question remains, does this musician who supported the 2004 coup d’état against democratically elected president Jean Bertrand Aristide present a good alternative to the corruption Haitians have endured over the last 24 years. I don’t think so.
Jean, like other politicians, has promised the Haitian people a lot in the way of reform. But the Haitian people have seen those kinds of promises dashed once the politicians are in power. Corruption has been rife and far too many of Haiti’s leaders have felt they are above the law.
In fact, President Preval remains one of the few democratically elected presidents to complete his full mandate. Over the past four years, his government managed to reduce crime and bolster security in the country. Despite a food crisis and a devastating hurricane season in 2008 Haiti enjoyed several consecutive years of economic growth.
Although the Haitian constitution prevents President Preval from seeking a third term, Preval might exert his influence within his Unite party which holds a majority in the parliament to make a possible Jean presidency very difficult at best or short-lived at worst.
Without the support of the parliament, Jean would have difficulties selecting ministers and passing laws, like making English another official language in Haiti – something he has said he wants to do. Now is probably a good time for Jean to align himself with some legislative candidates who can help strengthen his authority should he become president.
Still, many people who oppose a Jean presidency believe that anyone who owes upwards of five million dollars in back taxes and has failed in business ventures (such as the one Telemax) probably cannot manage billions of dollars in funds and donations intended for Haiti’s reconstruction. Others are legitimately worried that Jean won’t fully understand the Haitian legal system and the constitution, which is written in French and Haitian Creole.
Many people are curious about Jean’s motives in his pursuits, arguing he might be a pawn for foreign interest groups and other governments interested in developing more sweatshops in Haiti or making Haiti vulnerable to the dumping foreign imported products.
One Comment
Leave a Reply
world headlines
U.S. headlines
editorial headlines
You have presented excellent foresight that is obviously grounded by a knowledge of history. Thank you for sharing the positive accomplishments of Preval, we never hear of them in the media. Keep up the good work.