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 handover of the former British colony in 1997. Analysts believe that the blueprint, up for a vote in the summer, has the potential to reignite political tensions after a period of calm. Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying warned that the political climate in the city may become less favorable, stating that compromise seems unlikely at the moment and initiating political reform will be challenging. Leung mentioned that if the proposal is rejected, it may take a few years before another chance arises. A crowd of protesters, some holding Chinese flags in favor of the proposal, gathered outside the Legislative Council. Another group, holding yellow umbrellas as a symbol of the democracy movement, demanded true universal suffrage and urged Leung to resign. Democratic lawmakers, adorned with yellow crosses on their black shirts and some carrying yellow umbrellas, left the chamber after the government's presentation. Last year, tens of thousands of pro-democracy protestors occupied key districts in Hong Kong, calling for democratic reforms in the selection of the next chief executive. Despite their demands being ignored and protest sites being cleared by police in December, the government has not made any concessions to appease democratic lawmakers who are planning to veto the proposed plan for electoral reform. The opposition group has a significant veto power, but Leung, supported by Beijing, is optimistic that he can convince a few democrats to change their stance. Those who led the "Occupy" movement last year view a vote without open nominations as not true democracy. Hong Kong, although under China's authority, operates as a special administrative region with unique legal rights and freedoms not found in the rest of the country.