As far as Haitian politics go, you could probably find a worse presidential candidate than Wyclef Jean, a home-away-from-home-grown hip-hop artist known for running a wildly successful, albeit mismanaged, charity.

The problem is there couldn’t be a worse time to have an inexperienced statesman at the wheel. And there’s a chance that the Haitian-born Jean, who announced his bid for president on CNN last week, might just get to drive.

More than 30 candidates have stepped up to be the next Haitian president—including two former Haitian prime ministers, a former first lady, the U.S. ambassador to Haiti, and a United Nations envoy. But with a reputation as a humanitarian hero, Haiti’s huge youth population in his pocket, and plenty of paycheck, Jean could have a fighting chance.

"He’s a very, very strong candidate," Florida International University political science professor Eduardo Gamarra told the Christian Science Monitor. "Especially when nobody else has the resources."

The 37-year-old Jean, who moved to Brooklyn when he was nine and shot to stardom in the 90s, has no experience with the convoluted and often bloody world of Haitian politics—characteristics that will make him a good president, he told CNN. Because he is “coming in neutral” after years of political unrest, Jean believes he’ll be able to build consensus between the business elite, religious factions, and other players in parliament.

“Basically when you vote for Wyclef Jean you vote for something new,” he said.

Aside from his novelty and celebrity, Jean garnered goodwill through the efforts of his Yéle Haiti foundation, which has helped Haitians affected by disaster since 2004 and raised $16 million to aid the country after the January 12 earthquake.

Despite everything in his favor, Jean still has some formidable obstacles.

The same foundation that earned him such regard was found to be questionably managed, filing late tax returns and paying Jean to perform at a benefit concert, according to multiple media reports. These might not be insignificant infractions for someone who would be called upon to administer billions in reconstruction funds to rebuild his collapsed country. And in any case, there's a lot more to know about replacing infrastructure than good fiscal management.

“Haiti needs … someone who knows how to get things done and knows how to build schools, hospitals and neighborhoods, as well as sewer systems, electric grids and roads. Someone who can feed the people and give them jobs. Someone who can rebuild Haiti and ultimately restore its dignity,” wrote Marjorie Valbrun in an Open Letter begging the star not to run. “Frankly, Wyclef, that someone is not you.”

More immediately, Jean’s right to run for president is being questioned on grounds that he might not meet residency and other requirements. That matter will have to be decided by Haiti’s Centre Electoral Provisoire, which is expected to provide a final candidate list on August 17.

Jean’s biggest obstacle might be one faced by all the candidates—the apathy of a nation where an estimated 1.6 million people are still homeless, hunger and joblessness are widespread, and years of corrupt politicians have left little hope for improvement.

“It’s difficult for Haitians to have any faith in the election, we are so used to politicians taking advantage of us,” 27-year-old Anise Ulysse told the Christian Science Monitor. “The people living on the streets have other things to think about.”