AKIPRESS.COM - Dozens of police stood guard around Hong Kong government headquarters on Tuesday, a day after authorities arrested 10 people and seized suspected explosives ahead of a crucial vote on a China-backed electoral reform package this week, reports Reuters.

The Chinese-ruled city is bracing for a fresh democracy showdown after protests crippled parts of the former British colony last year, and resulted in sometimes violent clashes with police, over plans for how its next leader will be elected.

Hong Kong's legislature is due to begin debate on the electoral reform package in the Legislative Council on Wednesday, with a vote due by the end of the week. Pro-democracy protesters are staging evening rallies throughout the week.

With tensions running high before the debate, Hong Kong's Independent Commision Against Corruption has also said it is investigating allegations by an unidentified legislator that he was offered a bribe to vote for the package.

Police said the 10 people were arrested on Monday on suspicion of conspiracy to manufacture explosives and that some belonged to a radical group.