Wyclef Jean not abandoning Haiti presidential bid

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti - Hip-hop singer Wyclef Jean said Sunday he is not abandoning his presidential bid just yet, and will try to get the courts to overturn a decision disqualifying him from the November race.

Speaking to The Associated Press by telephone from his home in Croix des Bouquets, Jean said his lawyers will appeal the elections board decision because the national electoral dispute office hadn't yet ruled on his residency issue.

Jean, 40, said that he has a document "which shows everything is correct" and that he and his aides "feel that what is going on here has everything to do with Haitian politics."

Referring to Haiti's political establishment, he said, "They are trying to keep us out of the race."

Shortly after informing the AP of his decision Sunday morning, Jean announced it again on his Twitter feed. He said: "Tomorrow our Lawyers are appealing the decision of the CEP [elections board]. We have met all the requirements set by the laws. And the law must be Respected."

Elections board spokesman Richardson Dumel said that as of Sunday afternoon he had not seen any paperwork from the candidate indicating an appeal, but he declined to comment further.