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West, 43, who launched his campaign for the
White House with erratic statements on his social media accounts
in July, is on the official ballot in a handful of U.S. states,
according to U.S. media, but has no mathematical chance of
winning.
In Monday's video, the musician and fashion designer asked
supporters to vote for him as a write-in candidate.
"By turning to faith, we will be the kind of nation, the kind of
people, that God intends us to be," West says in the video,
featuring families at prayer and nature shots.
The video was the first major bid by West, formerly one of
President Donald Trump's biggest celebrity supporters, to be
taken as a serious contender for the White House. He has done
little campaigning under his self-styled Birthday Party as
concern grew over his mental health.
The "Heartless" singer, who has 21 Grammy awards, said in 2018
that he suffered from bipolar disorder.
Some political analysts believe that West's run for office could
siphon some Black supporters away from Democrat Joe Biden in the
presidential election.
West has spent some $5.8 million on his campaign this year,
according to a filing with the Federal Election Commission. Most
of the funding comes from a $6.7 million loan from himself.
His kanye2020.country website carries ads for hoodies, hats and
t-shirts ranging from $40 to $160.
It also sets out a 10-point policy platform that includes reform
of policing and the justice systems, reducing student debt, and
restructuring the education system to better serve vulnerable
people.
(Reporting by Jill Serjeant; Editing by Sonya Hepinstall)
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