But the turnout was far lower than the half a million who marched in 2003 and again in 2004 - and was less than half the 50,000 organizers had expected.

But organizers were unruffled, saying that democracy has been entrenched in the hearts of the people.

"[The protest] has become the second platform, along with the June 4 anniversary, for the people to voice their demands,'' said Civil Human Rights Front convenor Chong Yiu-kwong.

The new administration should listen to the people's opinions despite the lower turnout, he added.

The government said the demands raised at the protest have been heard, regardless of how many took part.

An official said the right to protest is highly valued by the government and that the calls made will be treated in a pragmatic, sincere and objective manner.

Chong said an improving economy and the stepping down of Tung Chee-hwa as chief executive, coupled with a ``wait-and-see'' attitude towards the new administration led by Donald Tsang, contributed to the low turnout.

There was a bit of sunlight after showers ended just before the protest began. In the heat and humidity, protesters - holding placards and brandishing flags - started from Victoria Park at 3pm.

They marched through Causeway Bay, Wan Chai and Central before gathering at the SAR Government Headquarters, where they handed over a petition.

Protesters chanted slogans, some denouncing the recent election that made Tsang chief executive.

Others highlighted a wide spectrum of social problems.

The agenda has extended beyond the political rights of former years to include the rights of homosexuals and domestic workers, and the release of Hong Kong journalist Ching Cheong, who is in a mainland jail after being arrested.

Secondary teacher Peter Lau, who had participated in previous protests, said he would like to see changes in the way that power is divided in the territory because the current mechanism only favors the pro-Beijing camp.

``I will come out [to protests] until there are direct elections,'' he said.

The front's Chong told protesters, ``We are here to change the system. We want to say we do not want a monarchy.''

Bishop Joseph Zen, the outspoken Catholic leader who said earlier that he would not urge his followers to join the protest, said before the march began that economic development should not be used to stop democracy from flourishing.

``Are people really less unhappy [this year]? People need a reason to be happy. But if they are misled, they will finally get disappointed,'' he said.

He also said people should not draw the conclusion that the low turnout indicates hopes for democracy are fading.

Taxi driver Li Yun-chuen, whose vehicle was stranded in a long jam because of a road closure, said, ``It is just a show. My feeling is bad right now. The meter is still running and it is bad for my passengers.''

Ringo Yeung, a 28-year-old jewelry designer who took part in previous protests, this year chose to watch from the sidelines.

He said direct elections are not as important as economic issues and that he would follow the performance of the new leaders before deciding whether or not to join next year's protest.

``My call for Tung Chee-hwa to step down has been fulfilled,'' he said.

Most of those at Friday's march had also participated in the record-breaking rallies of 2003 and 2004.

One of them, a handicapped civil servant who only wished to be identified as Lau, carried with him the ashes of a friend who died of leukemia a few months ago and who had taken part in previous marches for democracy.

``I am just helping my friend to fulfill his wish,'' he said.

Activist Tsang Kin-shing put on a show in portraying Donald Tsang as a puppet whose strings are being manipulated by President Hu Jintao.

Other protesters also used the opportunity to vent their anger at Tsang.

Josephine Hon, who marched with her children and husband, wore a bow tie. The organizers had prepared 5,000 bow ties for sale at HK$5 each.

``It is ridiculous that Tsang was the only candidate for the chief executive election. Perhaps if we all wear bow ties, we can be allowed to join the election,'' she said.

Winnie Yeung, a mother of two, said she has lost confidence in Tsang.

``It seems that Tsang is a brazen man. It is not appropriate for a top leader to say that Hong Kong people are mainly interested in economic matters and not democracy. We are telling him today that he is wrong,'' she said.

She felt Tsang should also accept responsibility for Tung's policy errors.

Another protester, Michael Lau, said he had skipped work to attend the rally.

``I cannot understand why only 800 people are allowed to elect our leader. I was determined to participate in this protest irrespective of whether the turnout was large or small,'' he said.

A group of seven university students, calling themselves the ``Democracy Cramming School,'' changed the lyrics of a song about the popular Japanese cartoon character Doraemon to satirize Tsang's obsession with power.

The Federation of Students put up two big balloons with the message ``the desire for democracy will not end.''

A 75-year-old woman, Lee Siu-ching, in her third consecutive July 1 march, called for the release of journalist Ching. ``Ching has not committed any crime and it is not reasonable to detain him for such a long time,'' she said.

Some banners accused Commissioner of Police Dick Lee of abusing his power by imposing 44 conditions in issuing the ``no objection'' letter to the protest organizers.

One of the protesters, 89-year-old Pong Yuk-ying - who marched during June 4 and July 1 in the past - had prepared banners with pro-democracy messages, but was not allowed to display them because of the restrictions.

``I think the freedom of speech in Hong Kong is being threatened. I hope the government will grant us more freedom in what is, after all, our home,'' said Pong.

The first batch of protesters arrived at the government offices at about 5.30pm. The protesters dispersed after tying yellow ribbons and placards onto the iron gates in front of the entrance.

dennis.chong@singtaonewscorp.com

teddy.ng@singtaonewscorp.com