The New Zealand Foreign Minister said about 85 percent of the people in Fiji want an election in the country as soon as possible.
Winston Peters said there should be no delays on the part of the interim government as the will of majority of the people is clear.
However the Interim Prime Minister Commodore Frank Bainimarama said many people he has spoken to do not really care about elections but more about improving their livelihood.
“I did not know that the New Zealand High Commissioner had done a poll in Fiji. I do not remember seeing a poll on the number of people who want us to go to elections," Bainimarama said.
"But I can say what I’ve heard personally, I’ve just been to Vanua Levu and they care little for elections. They want development. Fix their roads up, put in electricity, water – that’s what they want.
"They are not really interested in elections, even though we want elections, even though we should have elections. So I really do not know where Winston Peters is getting his figures from.
"As I’ve said, the New Zealand High Commission may have done a poll that no one knows about but I really couldn’t figure out where he came up with those numbers."
Meanwhile Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith said the elections should be held in March 2009 and electoral reforms should not be used as an excuse.
"I simply say this: whatever reforms – electoral or constitutional – political players in Fiji determine to adopt - none of that needs to or should stand in the way of holding an election in accordance with the unconditional undertaking given by Commodore Bainimarama to the Tonga Forum," Smith said.
"How constitutional, or electoral or other reform in Fiji emerges ultimately is a matter for political parties and political players in Fiji.
"In consideration of that, while it may well run in parallel to preparations for elections should not be something that deflects from elections.”
