Wyclef Jean 'forced into hiding by Haiti death threats'

Singer Wyclef Jean is apparently in hiding after getting death threats over his bid to become the president of Haiti.

The former Fugees star, 37, claims he was told in a phone call to "get out of Haiti".

Jean is waiting to see if he will be allowed to run for office, as it is not clear whether he qualifies to stand. Haitian rules state that presidential candidates must have lived in the country for five consecutive years, and Jean, although born in Haiti, has spend most of his life in the US.

Haiti's electoral commission has also postponed its ruling until August 20. More than 30 people have filed to run for president in the first elections since the country was battered by a devastating earthquake in January which left more than 250,000 people dead.

Wyclef's bid has been criticised by his ex-Fugees bandmate Pras Michel, who has endorsed rival Michel Martelly.

He said on Twitter: "I want to make it unequivocally clear I love Wyclef to def [sic] but he's not [qualified] to be the leader of the new Haiti.

"Wyclef's patriotism for Haiti is unwavering but still isn't suited to prez [sic] of new Haiti!"

The presidential elections are due to take place on November 28.