Tens of thousands of demonstrators streamed into the streets on Sunday for the third consecutive day to protest the parliamentary impeachment of President Roh Moo-hyun.

Some 50,000 protesters gathered in central Seoul for a candlelight vigil to show their support for the impeached president and to denounce what they called an "impotent" parliament.

Protesters chanted slogans such as "Nullify impeachment!" and waved lit candles in a peaceful rally held in the Gwanghwamun area.

Similar demonstrations were held in 12 other cities across the nation, including Busan and Gwangju, drawing thousands of participants.

The opposition-controlled parliament stunned the nation on Friday by impeaching Roh on charges of incompetence and violating election rules.