Hong Kong (AsiaNews) - Tens of thousands of people marched to demand full democracy in the territory by 2012. Yesterday's march was the first public response to Beijing's decision to delay the introduction of direct elections until 2017 and 2020. At least twenty thousand persons participated in the demonstration.
The slogan "Democracy delayed is democracy denied" opened the march, which started in Victoria Park and wound its way to the government offices in downtown Hong Kong. Behind the slogan, together with various personalities of the democratic movement, was Cardinal Joseph Zen, bishop of Hong Kong.
Interviewed by AFP, he commented, "The central government has once again undermined Hong Kong people's aspirations and violently made a decision ruling out universal suffrage in 2012. We are regrettable and angry about it. Hong Kong people are kind but they have pushed us too much".
According to the Basic Law (Hong Kong's constitution, accepted by China in agreement with Great Britain), the territory could have enjoyed democracy as soon as 2007. But Beijing has seized control of all political reform, in the fear that the "seed" of democracy could also set down roots on the mainland, leading to demonstrations and revolts.
Lee Cheuk Yan, a pro-democracy parliamentarian, says that he was "satisfied" with the march: it showed that the people of Hong Kong have not lost their determination. He promises that there will be even more protests if Beijing does not discuss their demands.
Last December 29, the permanent committee of the National People's Assembly (ANP) excluded universal suffrage for the elections in 2012, and affirmed that the election of the chief executive in 2017 "may be implemented by the method of universal suffrage", and that the subsequent elections for the Legco (Hong Kong's parliament, in 2020) might be conducted with all members being elected through universal suffrage.
Many of the elderly who participated in yesterday's march expressed their doubts in the possibility of seeing democracy implemented before they die. "But at least I hope my children will be able to enjoy it", said one 70-year-old woman.
Donald Tsang, Hong Kong's chief executive, urged the demonstrators to accept Beijing's decision, which for the first time suggested specific conditions, even if this was as a vague possibility.
Anson Chan, a newly elected member of the Legco who participated in the march, expressed her desire that Hong Kong have democracy "as soon as possible".