Despite the understanding that ousted Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase may appeal the High Court ruling announced yesterday, it doesn't change the fact that Fiji's Interim Prime Minister Commodore Frank Bainimarama is backing away from promises he made.

These are the words of Australia's Foreign Affairs Minister Stephen Smith who said Bainimarama appears to be determined to avoid a return to democratic rule.

According to Radio Australia, Smith said the judgement does not disturb the fundamental point which is, Bainimarama gave a faithful undertaking to the Pacific Island leaders in Tonga in October 2007, that he would have an election by the end of March of next year adding regrettably Bainimarama seems to be persisting in a view that he won't be holding that election.