HONG KONG: Thousands of demonstrators hit the streets of Hong Kong on Sunday in the first major protest since China decided last month to delay the introduction of full democracy in the city.

Democrats have been pressing for the direct election of Hong Kong's Chief Executive, or leader, currently chosen by around 800 mostly pro-Beijing officials, by 2012.

But the Chinese leadership last month ruled that that would not come before 2017 at the earliest. Direct elections of the entire legislature may only be possible in at least 2020.

"We will not give up. They should know they should not play with public opinion," said Jackie Hung, a spokeswoman for protest organisers, who said 20,000 people were expected to march.

At the outset organisers estimated more than five thousand people had gathered, although they hoped to get nearer to the 20,000 mark as the march progressed through Hong Kong's streets and bystanders joined in.

Police put the initial figure at 6,800 gathered.

"We want to continue to fight for democracy in 2012. We want to tell Beijing that although they try to exert pressure on us, they can't take away our rights," said Hung.

Democrats, who have been waiting for the universal suffrage promised under the Basic Law instituted when Britain handed Hong Kong back to China in 1997, said they would keep fighting Beijing's ruling.

China retains the right to have the final say on any political reforms in the city.

Veteran democratic campaigner Martin Lee said: "I hope this will send out a strong message to the Beijing government that Hong Kong people want a genuine democracy."

Cardinal Joseph Zen, head of the city's 250,000 Catholics, led the protest march waving a huge banner that read: "Democracy delayed is democracy denied." "The central government has once again undermined Hong Kong people's aspirations and violently made a decision ruling out universal suffrage in 2012. We are regrettable and angry about it," he said.

"Hong Kong people are kind but they have pushed us too much."

Former Hong Kong chief-secretary-turned-legislator Anson Chan also took part.

Hong Kong has been under special administrative status since the handover to China and will revert to full Chinese control in 2047.

Chief Executive Donald Tsang said in a recent report that the majority of the public wanted the leader to be elected by universal suffrage in 2012.

Speaking on local radio Sunday, Tsang acknowledged the disappointment of pro-democracy activists but urged them to accept the sketchy timetable set by the Chinese authorities.

"I hope everyone will be able to focus on what is possible, rather than what is not," Tsang said. "This is a historic opportunity. We should embrace it."

Analysts say Beijing fears that a move to unhindered democracy could spark the same demand on the Chinese mainland and fuel social unrest in the country.

Currently, only half of the territory's 60 legislators are directly elected, while the remaining seats are held by representatives of business and professional groups mostly loyal to Beijing.

Wheelchair-bound Tang Kin-wa, 58, who took part in the march, said: "If we don't come out, China will think we don't need democracy. We hope we can unite together and use people's power to tell them we mean it."

Alex Lam, a 49-year-old clerk who joined with his eight-year-old son, said: "We have waited and waited. When will this ever happen? If I don't do come out today, what will happen to my children?"

A woman, who gave her surname as Mak, in her 70s, was not optimistic that she would see full democracy in the city in her lifetime but hoped at least her participation will help the next generation.

"We need a freer and open society. I don't think I'll see universal suffrage in my lifetime. I might not be able to wait that long. But at least I hope my children will be able to enjoy it. Then I would be very happy," she added.


- AFP/so