Fiji’s ousted leader says accusations that he spent taxpayers’ money on a Christmas shopping spree are part of a new push to discredit his party ahead of elections next year.

Laisenia Qarase, whose government was overthrown by military leader Frank Bainimarama in December 2006, said the fresh allegations were "laughable."

Fiji’s military on Sunday claimed that Qarase, while he was still prime minister in 2006, spent about $1,000 of public money on a personal Christmas spending spree.

"There will be more coming, not only against me," Qarase said of the claims.

"There is a pattern of political persecution going on, particularly against members of my party, the SDL party, and those perceived to be supporters of my party."

Qarase said he believed the move would backfire on the interim government, and increase his support among Fiji’s voters.

"Our support is stronger now than before the coup. They are doing the campaigning for us. We will have to do very little campaigning when it comes to general elections," he said.

Bainimarama, who appointed himself prime minister following the coup, has repeatedly claimed Qarase’s government was corrupt.

Qarase is facing charges of abuse of office during his time as prime minister, amid claims he failed to declare his interest when his family company bought shares in an investment company. He said he thought Fiji’s military government was seeking to imprison him before next year’s planned elections.

"The judiciary has been stacked with judges who supported the coup," he said.