DHAKA: Chinese authorities have ruled out open nominations for elections to choose Hong Kong’s leader.

Authorities said two to three candidates will be nominated by a ‘broadly representative’ committee, reports the BBC.

The decision is expected to limit elections to a selection of pro-Beijing candidates and is likely to trigger protests from pro-democracy activists.

Some of them have threatened mass disobedience if elections in the former British colony are not opened up.

The election for Hong Kong’s chief executive is due in 2017 and will be the first time the holder of the post is directly chosen by voters.

The Standing Committee of China’s National People’s Congress said in its decision that while the election would represent ‘historic progress’, ‘the sovereignty, security and development interests of the country are at stake’,  and therefore ‘there is a need to proceed in a prudent and steady manner’.

The pro-democracy Occupy Central movement is expected to hold a rally later on Sunday to discuss its reaction to the decision.

They have previously said they will stage a mass sit-in in the city’s financial district if an acceptable agreement is not reached.

BDST: 1629 HRS, AUG 31, 2014