The 2014 Hong Kong protests, also known as the Umbrella Movement or Umbrella Revolution, began in September 2014 when activists in Hong Kong protested outside the government headquarters and occupied several major city intersections after the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPCSC) announced its decision on proposed electoral reform. In disallowing civil nominations, the NPCSC made it clear that a 1200-member nominating committee, which would remain nominated by the business factions would elect two to three electoral candidates with more than half of the votes before the general public can vote on them.