Singer born on the island has been supporting presidential candidate Michel Martelly

Hip-hop star Wyclef Jean has been shot in his native Haiti on the eve of presidential elections on the Caribbean island.

The singer was blasted in the hand just after 11pm and was rushed to hospital for treatment.

It is unclear who the gunman was.

Wyclef was treated in hospital and was later released following the attack in the city of Delmas, just outside the capital Port-au-Prince, the star's spokesman said.

Details of the shooting remain unclear, but Jean, who lives in the US, is a high profile supporter of presidential candidate and fellow musician Michel Martelly.

Wyclef Jean is pictured last year after submitting paperwork to run for president. He was told he could not run because he had not lived in the country for five years Jean in action with the Fugees when he was their frontman The American-Haitian singer's own bid for president ended with an August disqualification.

Haiti's voters are due to go to the ballot box later today to pick a president to lead their country where anger with the government runs deep and nearly a million people are living on the streets.

The election is clouded with uncertainty over the return of ousted former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide, a popular but divisive figure whose mere presence was considered by the U.S. government and others as a possible threat to the vote.

Jean canvassing for support last year in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The singer was released from hospital. Police claim the wound was from broken glass

Alongside political new-comer 'Sweet Micky' Martelly, a star of Haitian compas music, is Mirlande Manigat, the former first lady and law professor.



Both emerged as the top two finishers in a first-round vote in November with 18 candidates that was marred by fraud and disorganization.

Whoever wins will face major challenges, including a Senate and Chamber of Deputies controlled by the party of outgoing President Rene Preval, who was barred by the constitution from running for re-election, and re-building the nation crippled by last year's huge earthquake.