2015年CRI Lawmakers Start Debating on Reform Plan with Crowds of Supporters outside Legco

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Vocal¹ supporters of the proposal have been out in-force, playing the national anthem² and waving the Chinese flag outside the Legco building, hoping to convince lawmakers inside Legco to vote "yes" on the reform plan.

"Hong Kong is our home. We want it to be stable and prosper³, but some people even lawmakers are trying to destroy it. We are here to show that we love our country and Hong Kong."

Stanley Ng is one of the organizers of the "yes" rallies.

"It's encouraging to see so many people showing up. Even though we are not optimistic about the result, we are still making our last-ditch effort. We hope lawmakers can respect our voice."

Pro-establishment lawmakers thank all supporters showing up at the Legislative⁴ Council Complex before the vote on Hong Kong's political reform on June 17th, 2015.[Photo: CRIENGLISH.com]

Hong Kong Chief Secretary Carrie Lam, who led the government task force on political reform, is one of those who is pressing to have the proposal passed.

"Public opinion is clear. The majority of Hong Kong people would like to see their right to vote being put in place in 2017 so that there will be development in political reform."

The proposal to change the voting structure to allow for a system of universal sufferage in Hong Kong will require a two-third majority to pass.

With many lawmakers already pledging to vote no, it appears unlikely the political reforms will make it through.

Still, supporter Regina Ip is urging her fellow lawmakers to pass the bill.

"It is very touching⁵ to see those supporters outside in such hot weather, old and young, male and female. They want our political reform to be passed. I will persuade lawmakers who want to veto the plan that the Central Government is sincere and determined⁶ to give us universal suffrage⁷. This is a big step forward in the democratic process. I hope they can face up the history, and don't lose this opportunity. "

Hong Kong legislators are expected to vote on the proposals before Friday.

So far, the demonstrations⁸ outside Legco have been taking place without incident, with supporters and opponents vowing⁹ to remain on-site until the vote takes place.

Security has been tightened¹⁰ in the area.

If the proposal is passed, 5 million eligible¹¹ voters in Hong Kong could elect the next chief executive through "one person, one vote" from among a group of candidates chosen by a nominating committee in two years.

For CRI, this is Li Jing in Hong Kong.