Thousands of pro-Beijing loyalists rallied outside the legislature to condemn the pro-independence lawmakers.

Hong Kong's four post-handover chief executives have all been chosen by a small election committee stacked with pro-Beijing loyalists.

Hong Kong's three post-handover chief executives have all been chosen by a small election committee stacked with pro-Beijing loyalists drawn mostly from business sectors.

Instead, Beijing insists a small committee of largely pro-Beijing loyalists choose who gets on the ballot, which would effectively render the ability to vote meaningless.