Papua New Guinea church leaders have called for a grand coalition to end four days of political deadlock.
There are warnings of violence if the crisis, which has resulted in two men claiming to be prime minister, and two governors general, is not resolved soon.
A grand coalition would be a Melanesian response to the impasse with both Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare and his opponent Peter O'Neill refusing to back down.
Mr O'Neill has today called for police to step and secure government offices.
He declared he was in control of the government.
The head of PNG's Trade Union Congress has warned of a public service breakdown if the two rivals cannot come to an agreement on the nation's leadership.
Michael Malabag says the people are sick and tired of the selfish behaviour of the country's politicians.
The Catholic Archbishop, John Ribat, says to release tension the two men must come together and either form a grand coalition or negotiate a solution.
He says the Melanesian way is to sit down and work out differences.
The Governor-General, Sir Michael Ogio, released a statement on Thursday saying he had no choice but to reinstate Sir Michael Somare as prime minister on Wednesday.
He says he was duty bound to uphold the constitution and give effect to the ruling by the Supreme Court.
But Mr O'Neill argues that Sir Michael's lengthy absence from the country meant he had vacated the prime ministership and parliament was entitled to elect him prime minister.
His grouping has taken out newspaper ads claiming it is PNG's legitimate government.
