Papua New Guinea's police commissioner is calling on his officers to remain neutral as political parties enter negotiations to form a new government.
Commissioner Tom Kulunga on Tuesday said it was the responsibility of Royal PNG Constabulary men and women to serve the interests of all Papua New Guineans.
"We have a duty to this country and we must not take sides, not partake in any activity which may bring the constabulary into disrepute," he said in a statement.
"It is very important for our country and the democratic process that the RPNGC as an organisation and individual members distance themselves from the process and allow our leaders to make their own decisions as to who should govern our country for the next five years."
None of PNG's 46 registered political parties will gain a majority in their own right, and so broad coalitions must be formed.
PNG's politicians are currently breaking into camps around the country as negotiations begin.
With 66 out if 111 seats so far declared, Prime Minister Peter O'Neill is in the lead with his People's National Congress in the lead with 17 seats.
Voting for the 2012 PNG election was conducted over a three week period across the rugged and infrastructure-poor nation.
The electoral commission says it hopes counting will be finished this week, with 51 of the 111 seats yet to be declared.
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