Haiti Postpones Decision on Electoral Candidates

Wycle with Supporters at Airport in Port -Au-Prince

Haiti's electoral commission says it is postponing its ruling on which candidates qualify to run for president in November, from a group of contenders in question that includes high-profile musician Wyclef
Jean.

The announcement came late Tuesday, the day a decision was initially expected. Jean is among 34 candidates seeking the presidency
as current President Rene Preval steps down in compliance with term
limits.

Mr. Preval has been widely criticized about his efforts to rebuild Haiti following a devastating January earthquake that killed
an estimated 230,000 people and left more than one million homeless.

Jean's Yele Haiti foundation raised millions of dollars for Haiti following the
earthquake, but it has been criticized for alleged financial
irregularities. Jean is also challenged by Haiti's requirement that
candidates have lived in Haiti for the past five years.

Jean, who is based in the United States, says he is exempt because of his
appointment by Mr. Preval as a "roving ambassador" for Haiti.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP and AP.

VOA NEWS