ALMOST 200 Dolgellau residents received the wrong ballot­ papers for the upcoming elections, leading to fears that the election process has been corrupted.

Last Thursday, 177 people in the Dolgellau South ward, which is being contested by Plaid Cymru’s Linda Morgan and Independent John Raghoobar, received postal votes for candidates who were not actually standing in their ward.

The names on their polling card read ‘Dyfrig Siencyn’ and ‘Delwyn Evans’, who are actually standing in the Dolgellau North Ward.

After realising their mistake, the county council sent out new postal votes and a set of instructions to the affected constituents the next day, but the matter has left some people “confused”, according to both Cllr Morgan and Cllr Raghoobar, especially as the second poll card did not include party information.

Gwynedd Council has apologised for the mix-up but the Electoral Commission is looking into the matter.

Cllr Morgan, who is standing for re-election for Plaid Cymru, was not pleased with the situation.

“Whilst disappointed, as this could affect my vote, I am happier now that I know the mistake has been dealt with appropriately,” she said, after reporting there had been an error.

“I have been assured that the returns will be checked for accuracy.”

Cllr Raghoobar, who sits alongside his opponent on Dolgellau Town Council, also announced his dismay.

“I’m very disappointed. I contacted the Electoral Commission straight away once I had heard what was happening” he said.