Although the Haitian constitution requires a president to have lived in the country for five consecutive years before running, Wyclef remains determined in his campaign to bring about change in a country that is desperate for a transformative leader. His eligibility will certainly continue to be challenged by his opponents in the coming campaign. However, with an estimated 500,000 Hatian-born Americans in the U.S., Wyclef has the opportunity to bridge the gap between Haiti and its ever-expanding diaspora. There are reasons to take him seriously, and not just because he has the funds to do some repairing, but because he's running for president in a country where half the population is under the age of 25. Through his music, Wyclef has the lure to motivate young voters despite alleged claims of embezzlement earlier this year.
We here at Afropop are not ones to predict what will happen in this fascinating moment in history, but we can call upon our show, "Music and the Story of Haiti," to enlighten us on the past, and perhaps draw us closer to understanding the significance and consequence of what's to come.
-Alexia
