The government's controversial proposal comes after significant pro-democracy protests last year, posing a major challenge to Beijing's Communist Party rule since the return of the former British colony to Chinese control in 1997. Analysts believe the blueprint, which will be voted on by lawmakers in the early summer, could reignite political tensions after a period of calm. Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying warned reporters that the city's political climate may become less favorable in the future, stating that there is currently no room for compromise and initiating political reform will be difficult. Leung stated that if the proposal is rejected, it may take several years before another opportunity arises. Outside the Legislative Council, hundreds of protesters gathered with Chinese flags in support of the proposal, advocating for progress in Hong Kong. Another group held yellow umbrellas, a symbol of the democracy movement, and called for "true universal suffrage" while demanding Leung's resignation. Democratic lawmakers, adorned with yellow crosses on their black shirts and some carrying yellow umbrellas, exited the chamber following the government's presentation. Last year, tens of thousands of pro-democracy demonstrators took to the streets in Hong Kong, demanding genuine democratic elections and open nominations for the city's next chief executive in 2017. Despite their efforts, their requests were disregarded, leading to the forceful removal of the remaining protest sites by police in December. The proposal, which suggests the public vote on candidates pre-selected by a pro-Beijing nominating committee, was introduced by China's National People's Congress in August. The Hong Kong government has remained steadfast in its support for this blueprint, refusing to make any concessions to appease democratic lawmakers who are determined to veto it during the formal approval process. The opposition group has a veto bloc representing one-third of the camp, however, Leung, who is supported by Beijing, expressed optimism that he could convince four or five democrats to change their stance. Supporters of democracy who initiated the "Occupy" movement last year criticize a voting process without open nominations as being fraudulent. Despite being a part of China, Hong Kong operates as a special administrative region with its own legal system and freedoms that are not allowed on the mainland.