Representatives of protesters rejecting the likely re-election of Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso scuffled with police after they were refused entry to the voting room at the city legislative assembly building.

Police had initially allowed 20 protesters inside the assembly on Wednesday to speak with legislators, in the hope that the meeting would avert possible violence outside the assembly.

But later when the legislators convened to vote on whether the widely reviled Sutiyoso should serve another five-year term, 40 police barred the demonstrators from entering the session room on the building's third floor.

Emotions ran high and punches were traded. "Have mercy sir! Don't punch. We just want to get inside to ensure that Sutiyoso is not chosen," one protester was quoted as saying by detikcom online news agency.

Earlier at least nine people were hospitalized after security forces clashed with demonstrators outside the legislative assembly.

Detikcom reported that six protesters were taken to Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital in Central Jakarta, most of them suffering head injuries after being hit with stones.

At least three members of the Islamic Defenders' Front (FPI) were also treated after being exposed to tear gas and later released.