HAITI / ELECTIONS

HAITIAN MUSICIANS SEEK PRESIDENCY

BY JACQUELINE CHARLES
JCHARLES@MIAMIHERAL D.COM

He's already the president of Haitian konpa music, and now Michel Martelly, aka Sweet Micky, may be seeking another kind of presidential office -- that of his native Haiti.

Martelly is the latest celebrity to eye the upcoming Nov. 28 presidential balloting in quake-shattered Haiti, confirming to The Miami Herald that he's ``getting my papers ready'' for a run.

Martelly isn't the only musician with his eyes on the presidential palace. Several sources told The Herald Thursday that Hip-Hop star Wyclef Jean, who is in Haiti, officially announced his intentions in a series of meetings. He has lawyers working on his documents.

Jean's uncle, Haiti Ambassador to the U.S. Raymond Joseph, will also be a candidate. He reportedly sent his resignation to Haitian President René Préval a few days ago.

Candidates can officially begin filing Sunday. A nine-member electoral council will then determine who is qualified to run under Haitian law.

Martelly said he is busy preparing his candidacy: ``I've put together a team and if I can put all the elements together, most likely I will run.''

He said his goal is to be ``someone who inspires people. I want to change things in Haiti.''

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