New Year in Hong Kong, the People Demand Democracy

                            

HONGKONG, KOMPAS.com - After the fireworks, a massive evening, beginning in 2013 in Hong Kong remains crowded. However, the day is filled with a massive demonstration. Hong Kong residents took to the streets demanding the resignation of the leader of the city and demanded a broader democratic direct election of leaders.

Tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets of Hong Kong on Tuesday (01/01/2013) to urge city leaders, Leung Chun-ying, backwards. Since coming to power in July, Leung popularity declined and he faces a confidence vote in parliament after being accused of illegally building a luxury home. That sort of thing is one of the sensitive political issue in Hong Kong.

They held posters depicting Leung as a vampire and a wolf. The protesters also carried the flags of the British colonial era.

However, the protesters are using the scandal to push for universal suffrage in choosing the leader of Hong Kong. The area was handed over from the UK to Beijing in 1997, but maintains a semi-autonomous status, with the guarantee of civil liberties such as the right to protest does not exist in mainland China.

Leung selected in March by a selection committee consisting of 1,200 people, who controlled by pro-Beijing elites. Meanwhile, the city's seven million residents consider it a form of Chinese interference to local affairs. They also demanded a broader democracy 15 years after the area was handed over to Chinese rule.

"Give us universal suffrage soon! Leung Chun-ying retreat! "Shouted the protesters.

The Chinese government is already preparing plans for the city's chief executive be elected directly. However, it can only be started in 2017, and by the parliament in 2020.