Thousands of people marched in Hong Kong on Wednesday for full democracy amid an ongoing government consultation that will reform the territory's upcoming legislative and leadership elections.

The Civil Human Rights Front, the organizer of the annual New Year's Day pro-democracy march, estimated the turnout at 30,000, while police put it at around 11,000.

"We want universal suffrage! Public nomination now! Step down CY!" the people chanted, referring to Beijing-backed Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying.