Chief Executive Donald Tsang has invited Civic Party Leader and "five district referendum movement" spokesperson Audrey Eu to join him in a live televised debate in June on the 2012 constitutional reform package.

In his invitation letter to Ms Eu today, Mr Tsang said the debate will allow the public to better understand the arguments for and against the Legislative Council's approval of the Government's package and judge for themselves.

Saying the mainstream community view is in favour of the package's approval to allow Hong Kong's electoral system to move forward and to pave the way for implementing universal suffrage, Mr Tsang said the party and the movement, however, are against the passage.

"Now is the time to narrow differences and build consensus," he wrote.

The debate will be held at the Central Government Offices' New Annexe 6.30pm to 7.30pm June 17, with an independent person moderating. There will be no on-site audience and no questions from any third parties, so the debate will not be unduly disturbed.

The two participants will give opening remarks, followed by an exchange of questions and answers before making concluding remarks. Details may be further discussed by the two sides.