A woman, bidding to win the Moray seat at the general election, believes the process disadvantages rural candidates.
Anne Glen, who is running her campaign as an independent, claims connectivity issues in Speyside have blighted her chance to win the Westminster seat.
The retiree, who has managed hotels and worked as a teacher, splits her time between living in Aberlour and caring for her husband, who has brain injuries, in Nethy Bridge.
However, Mrs Glen believes her decision not to have the internet at home due to poor connection has put her at an unfair disadvantage.
The candidate, who wants to form her own political party devoted to scrutiny, explained she missed out on taking advantage of a free delivery of campaign leaflets by the Royal Mail because the information was only available online.
By the time the 67-year-old was informed about the service by Moray Council – by post – she claims it was too late to capitalise on it.
Mrs Glen said: “It’s been very frustrating. I’ve invested in one of the 3G or 4G phones for when I’m in Elgin and it’s actually fairly easy to get a signal. Unfortunately, the people of Moray are unable to reach me the rest of the time.
“How can I compete on a level playing field with this intolerable situation? It must be affecting other people and small businesses too.
“Just because I live in Aberlour and Nethy Bridge shouldn’t preclude me, or anyone else, from standing in the election.”
A Royal Mail spokeswoman explained staff could be contacted by telephone 24 hours a day during the campaign to help candidates.
She added: “All registered candidates are entitled to a free leaflet delivery to every person on the electoral register. That service is paid for by the UK Government.
“Royal Mail offers the same delivery service to all candidates whether they belong to a political party or not. As with our universal service, we make no distinction between candidates in rural or urban areas.
“Information about the freepost service is provided to candidates on the Electoral Commission website. Additionally, local returning officers provide candidates with an election pack which may include details of the Royal Mail delivery service.”
Other candidates standing in Moray are: Jo Kirby, Labour, Alex Linklater, Lib Dem, Angus Robertson, SNP, Douglas Ross, Conservative.
