Attitudes on Hong Kong's electoral reform plan split in the city and on China's mainland

As lawmakers kicked off the debate over the government's reform package at the Legislative Council yesterday, both Hongkongers and mainlanders appeared split over whether the proposal should be passed.

Local residents contacted in person, as well as people on the mainland speaking online or via telephone, expressed a broad range of opinions on the controversial package.

While some opposed it as too rigid and undemocratic, others tentatively approved of it as a first step towards democracy.

However, none offered full-throated support for Hong Kong's first proposal to hold an election by "one man, one vote".

Opponents of the package included Hongkonger David Chu, a 40-year-old clerk, who found it unacceptable.

"The problem with the package is that it seems we have 'one man, one vote' to vote for our chief executive. But we have no right to choose our ideal candidates. Hong Kong people should have the right to choose our candidates," Chu said.

Fellow Hongkonger Pauline Yip, 30, echoed Chu's opinion: "The government should provide a better package to the citizens … not force the people to agree with the package. I personally do not accept this."