Hong Kong ? Tens of thousands of people took to the streets in Hong Kong on Sunday to demand the right to vote for their own leaders and that the process of democratization be speeded up.

Organizers estimated the turnout at 250,000, though police put the number at 63,000. Either way, the turnout was considered surprising given that the former British colony’s economy is on the rebound, unemployment is down and people are generally satisfied with the government.

What drew out demonstrators is a package of electoral reforms pushed by the island’s chief executive and backed by Beijing that does not give a clear timetable as to when Hong Kong voters will be given universal suffrage.

Under the current system, the city’s top leader is endorsed by Beijing and selected by a committee of 800 electors. Only half of the legislature’s 60 members are directly elected by the public. The other half is voted on by interest groups usually favorable to Beijing.

Hong Kong never enjoyed full democracy under British rule. After the former colony returned to Chinese control in 1997 under the “one country, two systems” formula, the island was supposed to enjoy a wider degree of autonomy and eventually hold direct elections. But Beijing has been reluctant to grant Hong Kong that freedom for fear of losing control of this wealthy economic hub.