AN election petition challenging the Imbonggu Open result, will now be heard in Mt Hagen next February.
Deputy Chief Justice Salamo Injia said yesterday that in the interest of justice, the matter should be heard in Mt Hagen rather than Mendi, Southern Highlands province.
He said he was also concerned for the safety of the judge, lawyers, witnesses and the parties involved.
He set aside two weeks for the hearing which would begin on Feb 11.
Justice Injia did not make any order in relation to the ballot boxes and ballots which were kept at the Mendi police station.
Instead, he suggested that Pila Niningi, the petitioner, make an application for the ballots to be moved to Mt Hagen.
An earlier attempt to transfer the ballots was stopped by scores of people in Mendi.
Mr Niningi had alleged, amongst other things, that there were irregularities during the voting and counting process.
He had named MP Francis Awesa and the Electoral Commission as defendants.