The United States, on Wednesday, urged Haiti authorities to not disturb the pre-planned elections scheduled for later this year after the Caribbean country’s President was assassinated earlier in the day. The State Department of the United States provided further reassurance that Haiti will be assisted in finding a path forward.

Ned Price, the spokesperson of the US State Department said on Wednesday, “It is still the view of the United States that elections this year should proceed.” He added that an election would make sure “a peaceful transfer of power to a newly elected president” is completed, according to reports from AFP.

“We have urged Haitian government and political stakeholders repeatedly, both in public and in private, to reach a political accord in order to ensure those legislative and presidential elections take place later this year,” he said.

Similar calls were made by the United States earlier this year, before Haiti’s leader was assassinated. With the country in political turmoil, the United States went ahead and recognised Jovenel Moise as the legitimate President of the country. However, a request for free and fair elections was still maintained,

The echo of President Moise’s death has also been heard from the legislative pipeline of the United States. Gregory Meeks, who is a member of the US House of Representatives and also an American lawyer, has advocated for a re-evaluation of US policy, saying that Haiti was ill-prepared for September elections which would lack credibility under Moise. 

Meeks, who is also the chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said in a statement, “In these difficult times, I call on all parties to remain calm and maintain respect for the rule of law. I urge the Haitian government to do everything it can to ensure a peaceful transition of power”, according to reports from AFP.