The Papua New Guinea chief secretary, Isaac Lupari, says a combined security force of 500 men and women has now been sent to contain the unrest in Mendi in the Southern Highlands.
Chaotic scenes in Mendi Photo: Melvin Levongo
It followed widespread violence before and after the election, culminating in rioting in Mendi last week.
Mr Lupari said the instigators of the unrest would be brought to justice.
The Post Courier reported Mr Lupari saying the National Security Advisory Council had two options: one to recommend a State of Emergency, and the other to undertake the callout, as has now been done.
Mr Lupari said a state of emergency was a long process by law and the country cannot afford it.
He said the first thing for the security force to do is to stabilise the situation on the ground, and then for police to identify who were the perpetrators of all the crime.