The election court judge presiding over Zaid Ibrahim's election petition has barred the use of mobile phone during the proceedings this morning.

NONE Justice Azahar Mohamed has ordered the police to seize any mobile phones being used.

The move, however, has unintentionally prevented journalists from providing live coverage of the proceedings, now into its third day.

Yesterday, several phones belonging to inconsiderate reporters and lawyers were ringing from the public gallery. There was also an incident where one female reporter even answered a call and chatted away only to be spotted by the judge.

Zaid's petition aims to nullify the Hulu Selangor by-election result, which saw him losing to BN's P Kamalanathan.

He is arguing on the grounds that there was widespread bribery during the campaign by his opponent and abuse of federal government allocations.

Today, the court is expected to hear preliminary objections from the Election Commission, who is among the respondents in Zaid's petition. 

Following this, Zaid's lawyers will reply to the EC's submissions.