Deteriorating unrest in Southern Highlands province has prompted the withdrawal of a petition against the recent election victory of Papua New Guinea's prime minister.
PNG PM Peter O'Neill Photo: AFP / Peter Parks
Stanley Liria said he dropped his petition against Peter O'Neill's victory in Ialibu-Pangia due to escalating law and order problems in the province.
Violence has lingered in Southern Highlands since before polling began in June and surged again this month after delayed election results.
Rioting forced the provincial capital Mendi into lockdown in the last two weeks after the death of two policemen in election-related violence.
According to Mr Liria, while his supporters want him to challenge the election result, he is withdrawing in the interests of peace.
He has called on other losing candidates and their supporters to accept the election results, saying there have been too many deaths, injuries and damages incurred already.