The European Union reaffirmed its support for “credible, transparent and democratic” elections in Haiti in a statement issued on Thursday, October 29, saying such a vote is essential to restore the legitimacy of the country's institutions, Gazette Haiti and Le Nouvelliste reported.

The EU welcomed the UN Security Council's decision to extend the mandate of the Gang Suppression Force to March 31, 2027, and credited the force with improving the security needed for a vote. It said it will keep working with the Organization of American States to support the Haitian National Police, including five planned forward operating bases.

The statement also recalled several international sanctions regimes, including the EU's own, that target people who threaten Haiti's peace, stability or security or who undermine democracy and the rule of law. The EU said these measures help protect the credibility and integrity of the electoral process. Canada made a similar call the next day.

Insecurity remains the main obstacle to the vote. The first round, first set for December 13, 2026, is now scheduled for July 18, 2027, according to the Provisional Electoral Council. In October, UN envoy Carlos Ruiz Massieu warned the Security Council that setting new dates without a realistic assessment would only erode public confidence.