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Haitian Electoral Commission Postpones Decision on Candidates


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.

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