The Commonwealth's special envoy to Fiji is convinced a national dialogue including all major political players is the only way the Pacific nation can find its way back to a sustainable democracy.
Sir Paul Reeves made the comments after a two-day trip where he met with Commodore Frank Bainimarama and other senior members of the interim government in a bid to persuade Fiji to hold elections before 2014.
Fiji was suspended last week by the Commonwealth over its refusal to announce an election date for next year. It has also been suspended from the Pacific Islands Forum.
Sir Paul was not able to meet elected leaders ousted by the 2006 military coup, including Mahendra Chaudhry and Laisenia Qarase.
In a statement issued during the visit, Commodore Bainimarama said he had explained to Sir Paul his intention to continue putting reforms in place first before the elections in 2014.
Sir Paul says he is not discouraged by these statements and has left Fiji with a clear understanding of the interim government's plans for the country.
The 2006 coup was the fourth in Fiji since 1987.
Food more important issue - SDL leader
The national director of the governing political party deposed in the 2006 coup says the indigenous population cares more about food on the table than who runs the country.
Peceli Kinivuwai from the SDL Party says Fijians living in villages have no political awareness and many do not understand what Western style democracy is.
Mr Kinivuwai says there is a growing uneducated indigenous population who are largely ill-informed and disinterested in democratic elections. However, he says the international community must keep the pressure on Fiji.
The head of Fiji's Council of Social Services disagrees. Executive director Hassan Chan says Commodore Bainimarama has promised to bring democracy to Fiji and must be supported not criticised.
However, high chief and former parliamentarian Ratu Ilaitia Tuisese says it is unlikely that the military government will keep its word.
