The government proposal, which is controversial, comes after large pro-democracy protests last year, posing a significant challenge to Beijing's Communist Party rule since the handover of the former British colony in 1997. Analysts believe the blueprint, set for a vote in the summer, could reignite political tensions following a period of calm. Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying stated that the city's political climate may become less welcoming in the future, emphasizing the difficulty of initiating any political reform process. Leung stated that if the proposal is rejected, it may take several years before another opportunity arises. Outside the Legislative Council, hundreds of protesters were seen waving flags in support of the proposal, advocating for progress in Hong Kong. Another group held yellow umbrellas, symbolizing the democracy movement, and demanded genuine universal suffrage while also calling for 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 blocked major roads in four key districts of the city, calling for Beijing to allow a truly democratic vote and open nominations for Hong Kong's next chief executive in 2017. Despite their efforts, their demands were disregarded, and police forcibly removed the remaining protest encampments in mid-December. The proposal, which suggests the public vote on two or three candidates pre-selected by a 1,200 member pro-Beijing nominating committee, was first introduced by China's parliament, the National People's Congress, in August. The Hong Kong government has maintained its support for this proposal, refusing to make any concessions to gain the approval of democratic lawmakers who have promised to veto it when the government seeks formal approval. The opposition group has a veto bloc of one-third, but Leung, supported by Beijing, is optimistic that he can convince four or five democrats to change their stance. Those who led the "Occupy" movement last year view a vote without open nominations as a form of "fake democracy". Hong Kong, although part of China, operates as a special administrative region with its own legal system and freedoms that are not allowed in mainland China.