Ousted Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase is now blaming the military and interim administration for deliberately trying to delay the elections to stay in power, by shifting its position on issues.

Qarase said firstly the main reason for the December 5th takeover was corruption but now the interim government wants to make major constitutional changes without parliamentary approval.

"The reasons that were given as the reasons for the coup have been completely left on the wayside and they are focusing on other things. That brings me to the conclusion that those people who carried out the coup out of a hunger for power and to fill their pockets. Particularly those who cannot find jobs to earn income for their families."

The military has reacted strongly to Qarase's statement.

Military spokesperson, Major Neumi Leweni said the changes which are taking place are necessary for the people of the country and those who were involved in corruption will definitely be taken to task.

"On what he said about reasons on why the coup was conducted, all we’ll tell Qarase is:  “Time will tell”. It’s only the process of prosecuting those who were involved in those corrupt practices is taking time. But it’s all there. The evidence is all there and when it does come out – it will come out. All they are trying to do is using tactics to try and divert the issues. But we are not going to be led that way. We know what’s happening, what we’re doing, the direction we’re taking. Like he said: Time will tell."

Major Leweni also rubbishes Qarase's comments that those who overthrew his government are hungry for power and money.

"If they can identify the people they are referring to. Because according to the military, everyone (who is) doing the job now had a job before. We’re just doing what we have to do and it’s a call that has no substance."