Chief-executive elect C Y Leung. File photo.

Mr Leung said as far as he can tell, the people object to legislators who play politics, and hold up the legislature's urgent work.

The People Power group - which is spearheading the stalling campaign - accused him of interfering in the legislature, and of 'spouting nonsense.' They are attempting to force the government to postpone the by-election bill by tabling more than 1,300 amendments.

The bill would bar legislators who resign mid-term from taking part in by-elections for six months.

The delaying tactics are threatening to prevent the passing of important legislation before the current Legislative Council ends.

The Civic Party is making another attempt to adjourn the debate on the bill. The party's leader Alan Leong said Legco's president had approved his tabling of a motion to this effect. The Labour Party said it supports the move.

The government has again stressed that it won't withdraw the electoral bill.