Ghana’s former President, Flt Lt Jerry John Rawlings says the political stalemate in Cote d’Ivoire could have been easily resolved if the international community had not rushed to take sides.

He said in such electoral disputes it is logical to seek a recount of votes or a re-election if circumstances called for it.

“Unfortunately the international community overlooked such peaceful overtures and rather took a tough stance against one candidate even though all he was seeking was a further authentication of the results.

“The stalemate has dragged on for too long and the threat of military intervention nearly exposed us to ridicule because how often have incumbent governments not stolen elections on a massive scale in other countries; where people are intimidated and brutalised and despicable things are done; nothing but plain thievery, in circumstances that are more deserving of intervention but no such suggestions were made.”

President Rawlings was speaking as Guest Speaker at the Rotary District 9110 Charity Dinner in Lagos on Friday, February 26.

He said if we want to distance our political dispensation from coup d’états then it is incumbent upon us to maintain the sanctity of the right of choice and the electoral process.