Lebanon's top Shiite cleric bans use of bribes to win votes ahead of June poll

Beirut: Lebanon's top Shiite cleric has issued a religious edict banning bribes ahead of the June parliament elections.

Bribes are common on Lebanon's corrupt political scene. This year, there are also rumours about Saudi and Iranian petrodollars used in campaigning.

The balloting is to be bitterly contested between a pro-Western parliament majority and a coalition led by Hezbollah, backed by Syria and Iran.

Grand Ayatollah Mohammad Hussain Fadlallah's fatwa says bribes constitute a "betrayal of public responsibility" when it comes to vote-buying.

Monday's edict bans both giving and taking bribes. The cleric's office says it came in response to believers' query about the matter.