Wyclef Says Death Threats Won’t Deter Presidential Run
Ex-Fugees singer Wyclef Jean says that death threats “come with the territory” and that he won’t be put off from trying to stand as president of Haiti.
Accompanied by an armed guard and other supporters, he said: “In the past couple of days we have received a few death threats.
“Just for our safety we came to an area where we feel is secured – that is my town.
“We’re in an area where we’re comfortable, the area where we were at before, we weren’t comfortable.
“We know this situation we’ve embarked on, death threats come with the territory. But beyond that it’s not about all those negative information (sic).”
The 37-year-old has moved his team to his childhood town after getting a series of warnings, including a phone call telling him to “get out of Haiti”.
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The singer’s plans have stirred controversy in the Caribbean country, with his ex-bandmate Pras Michel and actor Sean Penn among those criticising his bid.
Haiti’s electoral commission has also postponed its ruling on who will be allowed to run for president until 20 August.
‘We have proof’
There is a question mark over whether Jean qualifies to run for president – Haitian laws say a candidate must have lived in the country for five consecutive years.
Wyclef has not, having spent most of his life in the US.
However he said his work as an ‘ambassador’ for current president, Rene Preval, meant he fulfilled the criteria.
“The issue of residency, we have proof, five years.
If after Friday we’re not approved I will continue doing what I’ve been doing in Haiti.
“Every piece of paper that the commission, the electoral council have asked for, we have delivered,” he said.
Read entire article at BBC.uk
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