As the call-out wound down last month, police and Hela authorities admitted the corresponding guns amnesty was only a partial success.

Mr Potobe warned that since the last elections in 2012 tribal tensions in the area have worsened.

"This time I think there'll be fighting all over the place in the province," Mr Potobe said. "Last year we had big fights in the province and at the moment now we cannot manage it.

"It's very important. We need more security personnel on the ground."

Last month, PNG police Commissioner Gary Baki floated the idea of recruiting hundreds of ex-servicemen to Hela to help address the lawlessness and fighting.

Mr Potobe said the plan was requested by the Hela provincial government, but it was clear that neither provincial nor national government had the money to pay for this.

He confirmed fears that lingering tension in and around the provincial capital could escalate again.

"Not only in Tari but also the Highlands around. We need more security on the ground, including Tari," he said.

"The view of the province, and the electorate, for me, it does not look good for the new elections."

Last month, Mr Baki told RNZI that in a change from previous polls, provincial police commands, rather than national headquarters would coordinate policing in each province during elections.

But he insisted there would be extra provision made for additional police presence in security hot-spots such as Hela.

Echoing this, the government's chief secretary Isaac Lupari said that securing the LNG project area remained a priority, suggesting an increased police deployment in coming weeks was possible.