In an effort to promote a pro-democratic state in Hong Kong, almost 800,000 people -- more than 10 percent of the city's population -- participated in a 10-day vote on a nonbinding referendum. The effort continues Tuesday with a march through Hong Kong that's expected to draw hundred of thousands of people.

Citizens could vote online using their mobile phones or cast their ballots in person to choose one of three proposals that would be used to elect the city's next chief executive, The Los Angeles Times reported.

Each of the proposals included a measure that allows the city's residents to directly nominate a candidate. Voters were also asked to vote on whether or not the local legislature should veto proposals that "cannot satisfy international standards allowing genuine choices by electors," which received 87 percent approval.

However, China's State Council called the vote "illegal and invalid" in a statement Monday. It also said the organizers were pushing their own "self-interests through breaching the rule of law, disturbing Hong Kong's social order and holding back the progress of universal suffrage."

"Our standpoint is firm that the position of chief executive must be shouldered by one who loves both the country and Hong Kong," the statement said.

It also insisted that Beijing could remove candidates it believes does not "love" China, according to the Times.

Hong Kong and mainland officials have yet to determine the rules for the official voting. The referendum's organizers started the initiative for fear that Beijing authorities would prohibit potentially objectionable candidates.

The Times reported that direct voting for Hong Kong's chief executive would not begin until 2017, according to the "One Country, Two Systems" governing framework, agreed upon when China took back control of the former British territory in 1997.

Since 1997, pro-democratic supporters have organized protests and demonstrations in Hong Kong every July 1.