President Wyclef? Singer Jean Considers Running in Haiti

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REUTERS/Ray Stubblebine

According to the Associated Press, ex-Fugee and Haiti native Wyclef Jean is mulling a potential run for president of Haiti. Could this actually work?

Jean has been ambassador-at-large to the country since 2007, appointed by current president Rene Preval, who cannot run for re-election. He was born outside of Port-au-Prince but grew up in Brooklyn, N.Y.  CBS News reported he has already filled out the required paperwork to run.

Though he has been an outspoken advocate of his home country and has provided aid for years, he has also come under fire for his charity, Yele Haiti. After the earthquake, many criticized the organization for financial irregularities, including paying Jean for performing at a benefit concert and buying advertising time on a television station Jean owns.

Controversy aside, Jean won’t have an easy time winning the position — dozens of people reportedly plan on running for president, and each will have to come up with a plan to rebuilt the quake-stricken nation.