A military spokesman in Fiji is accusing government senator Mohammed Apisai Tora of using scaremongering tactics as a cynical attempt to ensure he remains in power.
Mr Tora, who is the leader of the ultra-nationalist Taukei Movement which led the agitation preceding the 1987 and 2000 coups, has said in parliament that there will be instability if Fijian parties do not win the election.
Lieutenant-Colonel Orisi Rabukawaqa says Mr Tora's comments are a cause for concern for the security of the nation and that the military are taking his comments seriously.
However Lieutenant-Colonel Rabukawaqa believes the motives for Mr Tora's comments are self-serving.
"Basically he's a politician, I suppose, wanting to ensure the seat in power come election next year. Whether its hankering for power or using the ideology of ethno-nationalism has never done anyone any good anywhere in the world."
Lieutenant-Colonel Orisi Rabukawaqa
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