Hong Kong democracy activists threaten blockade

Protesters wave their mobile phones during a rally, after China's legislature has ruled out open nominations in elections for Hong Kong's leader in Hong Kong. Photo / AP

Pro-democracy campaigners in Hong Kong have threatened to blockade the city's financial district and begin a campaign of civil disobedience after Beijing rejected calls for an open election for the former colony's next leader.

Hundreds gathered outside government headquarters yesterday to protest at China's plans to introduce universal suffrage for the 2017 election of Hong Kong's chief executive.

Under the electoral framework, each candidate would need approval from more than 50 per cent of a "broadly representative" nominating committee before being named in a ballot.

Central Government would appoint the winner, state news agency Xinhua reported.

Occupy Central, the coalition of pro-democracy groups behind the blockade, said the rules were a farce and accused Beijing of "killing universal suffrage".

"All chances of dialogue have been exhausted and the occupation of Central will definitely happen," the group said.