Thousands march in Hong Kong for democratic reforms.

(From Agence France Presse)

Tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets of Hong Kong here in a New Year's Day rally calling for a swift transition to full democracy in the former British colony, organisers said.

With calls of "Return political power to the people" and demands for direct elections for the city's rulers, demonstrators estimated that 100,000 people marched from Victoria Park to the Government headquarters in the Central business district.

Police declined to provide an estimate.

Richard Tsoi, a spokesman for rally organisers the Civil Human Rights Front said the large turnout was proof the desire for political reform among the city's 6.8 million people remained strong after huge protests last July.

"Although the turnout was lower than last July, it still clearly shows that Hong Kong people want political reform, they want full democracy and they want universal suffrage to elect the next Chief Executive," said Tsoi.

Tsoi warned more massive protests would follow unless the government bowed to public demands, starting with rallies to coincide with Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa's Policy Address next Wednesday.