Originally posted by the Voice of America.
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             Protests in Hong Kong as Electoral Reform Plan Debated

   by VOA News

   Hong Kong lawmakers are set to begin debating a contentious electoral
   reform bill that is backed by Beijing but that has been rejected by the
   territory's pro-democracy groups.

   Hundreds of protesters from both sides gathered outside the legislature
   Wednesday, with government supporters waving Chinese flags and
   opposition activists decrying the plan they say would lead to "fake
   democracy."

   Security is heavier than usual in the Chinese territory after police
   this week seized a stash of chemicals and arrested 10 people, six of
   whom have been charged with conspiracy to cause an explosion.

   Officials have said little about the alleged bomb plot, which some
   opposition activists suspect is an attempt to smear a pro-democracy
   movement that has been overwhelmingly peaceful.

   Even before the arrests, there were concerns about a possible return to
   the political instability that paralyzed parts of the city last year,
   when tens of thousands took to the streets to oppose the reform plan.

   Lawmakers are expected to vote by the end of the week on the proposal,
   but it is not clear whether it has enough support to secure the
   required two-thirds majority to pass.

   The bill would allow for the first time Hong Kongers to vote for their
   top leader, but candidates would need to be approved by a committee
   dominated by Beijing loyalists.

   If the bill does not pass, Hong Kong's chief executive will continue to
   be chosen as it currently is: by a 1,200-member election committee.
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   [1]http://www.voanews.com/content/protests-in-hong-kong-as-electoral-re
   form-plan-debated/2825692.html

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/protests-in-hong-kong-as-electoral-reform-plan-debated/2825692.html