As Lebanon's election approaches, the country's roadsides and rooftops are awash with colour-coded billboards vying to attract voters with puns, catchphrases and even what some say are sexist ads.

The campaign poster that has sparked the most debate features the face of a brunette looking seductively at the camera next to the slogan: "Sois belle et vote," or "Be beautiful and vote". The advertisement, a play on the French saying "Sois belle et tais-toi," or "Be beautiful and shut up," is part of a campaign supporting the election platform of retired General Michel Aoun, a Christian opposition leader allied with Hizbollah.