Wyclef Jean - Wyclef: 'Running For Haiti Presidency Is Big Sacrifice'

Hip-hop star WYCLEF JEAN is refusing to commit to running for office in his native Haiti until he's fully consulted his wife and daughter - because entering the race for president is "a big sacrifice".

The former Fugees star has played a crucial role in the relief efforts in Haiti following the devastating earthquake which left millions homeless in January (10), and has helped to provide aid and build temporary shelters to house them through his Yele Haiti organisation.

Jean recently sparked speculation he was preparing to officially enter politics to help rebuild his country after CNN claimed he had filled out the relevant paperwork in the event that he chose to stand as a presidential candidate in the 2010 elections.

The rapper confirmed the news during a visit to the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince on Thursday (29Jul10), revealing he was meeting with lawyers and having his fingerprints taken by judicial police as part of the legal process to run for office.

However, he insisted he had yet to make a final decision.

He told Reuters, "I basically come (sic) out to Haiti today because it was important that I do my fingerprints.

"There are a lot of rumours that I am running for president. I have not declared that. If we decide to move forward, I am pretty sure that we have all our paperwork straight."

Jean has until 7 August (10) to register his interest as a presidential candidate, but he is adamant he will not be rushed into making an announcement until he has won the full backing of his wife Claudinette and their daughter Angelina.

He added, "As a family, we must decide on what we're going to do because it is a big sacrifice."