Papua New Guinea police have barricaded the Mt Hagen courthouse in Western Highlands province where three election petitions are being heard.
PNG security forces parade at the launch of the election security operation in Mt Hagen. Friday 26 May 2017. Photo: PNG EMTV online
The cases concern three open seats in the province, including seats occupied by state enterprise minister William Duma and transport minister Wesley Nukunj.
The Post Courier reported police barricaded all entrances leading into the courthouse to prevent supporters from filling the courtroom.
Also on the ground were soldiers and staff from the Correction Service to help police with security.
Five judges flew into Mt Hagen last week to hear the election petitions.
Police appealed to supporters to respect justice and accept the court decisions once they were made.
