Activists protest ahead of vote on electoral reforms

A pro-democracy protester during a march to demand lawmakers reject a Beijing-vetted electoral reform package in Hong Kong, yesterday. [PHOTO: REUTERS]

Thousands of people took to the streets of Hong Kong to protest against electoral reforms approved by Beijing to choose the city’s next leader, the beginning of several days of demonstrations before the reforms go to a vote.

Beijing has proposed a direct vote for Hong Kong’s next leader in 2017, but only pre-screened, pro-Beijing candidates would be allowed to stand.