Lebanon's government has agreed on a new electoral law which saw the introduction of the proportional representation system, a first since 1943. 

Parliamentary seats were previously distributed using a majoritarian system, where the seats are allocated according to a winner-takes-all model. 

Under the new law, political groups will still put up a block candidate list, but seats are allocated proportionally. 

The number of MPs has not changed - it still stands at 128 seats. The term period also remains at 4 years. 

The country will now be divided into 15 major electoral districts, rather than the previous 26.

But, the shift in representation wasn't the only first. 

Lebanese living abroad will now be able to cast their votes at embassies or consulates in their respective locations, with six seats reserved for the Lebanese diaspora - a seat for each continent, according to The Daily Star

The diaspora seats have yet to be passed by a further Cabinet decree and will not go into effect during the upcoming parliamentary elections (2018) but rather in the following one.

But, it wasn't all positive news.

What we didn't see is representation for women

Government officials failed to pass a women's quota law, which would guarantee women's voice in parliament. 

Without an official quota law, a rise in female representation cannot be guaranteed. 

Women in Lebanon have always been marginalized when it comes to politics. Even though women were granted the right to vote in 1952, the percentage of their representation in every parliament ever since has consistently been exceptionally low.

Of course, following the unfortunate news, many took to social media to express their frustration at yet another step backward for women in the country.

"Accept it, and let it be a weapon in your hands to help you turn the tables ... Be humble, be intelligent"

"We need more women in the Lebanese parliament"

Women, prepare to fight

"Declare it unashamedly: No Women, No Vote"

Male or break?

Lebanese women have long been seeking political participation in a system dominated by men. 

The State Minister for the Affairs of Women – the country's first – is a man. The entire cabinet includes just one woman. There are a total of four women in a 128-member parliament. 

But, we fight on.