A 24-hour debate on the controversial by-election law began yesterday as more pan-democrats joined the filibuster intended to block it.
The Legislative Council's first all-night debate in two years, aimed at beating the filibuster attempt by People Power lawmakers, also drew opposing groups of protesters, who taunted each other outside.
Two protesters were arrested for assault in separate incidents. Both were released on bail.
Inside, some lawmakers were dressed in sneakers and casual clothes, while others brought in tea to keep themselves awake through the round-the-clock sitting.
The debate - which had already been adjourned twice in the last two weeks after failing to meet the quorum - resumed at about 2.30pm, after a morning question period.
The bill would force lawmakers to wait six months after resigning a seat to be eligible to run in a by-election. The bill was launched after five pan-democratic lawmakers resigned in 2010 only to immediately stand as candidates in the resulting by-elections, in what they called a de facto referendum on universal suffrage.
In the morning, Alan Leong Kah-kit, leader of the pan-democratic Civic Party, moved a motion to suspend proceedings, 'to make way for important bills'. It was rejected by Legco president Tsang Yok-sing.