Haiti's highest court has ruled a Haitian-American businessman may run for president.

Five Supreme Court judges Tuesday unanimously ruled that Dumarsais Simeus could be included on a list of presidential candidates. This overruled a decision by electoral authorities in September to bar his election run on the grounds that he holds U.S. citizenship.

Court Rules Haitian-American Businessman May Run for Country's Presidency

Mr. Simeus argued that he was born in Haiti and his citizenship should not be an issue.

Court Rules Haitian-American Businessman May Run for Country's Presidency

In an exclusive interview with VOA, Mr. Simeus heralded the Supreme Court's ruling as a great decision for Haitian people around the world. He added he was not surprised by the outcome.

Court Rules Haitian-American Businessman May Run for Country's Presidency

Mr. Simeus has lived in the United States for more than 40 years and owns one of the country's largest black-owned businesses, Texas-based Simeus Foods International.

November's election will be the first since President Jean-Bertrand Aristide's ouster in February 2004.