China's central government is for the first time using a public poll to help assess the performance of officials and give people a greater say in deciding their promotions.

The sample survey will be conducted among 80,000 people at different levels, from central government departments to grass-roots villages.

The English newspaper China Daily carries a commentary saying that the move is a landmark step in involving the public to evaluate officials' performance.

The paper notes that previously closed-door examination left room for under-the-table manipulation, which have eroded the credibility of both the Party and the government.

Although public supervision is always known as an effective measure to reduce corruption, the paper says there is a lack of concrete measures to implement such supervision.

It notes the poll will promote understanding of the public in the government.

Citing the Wen'an riot in southwest China's Gansu Province as the example, the paper points out that it is the general public's distrust in the government that led to the social riot.

While it may take years for a government to gain credibility among the public, the article says it is easy to lose it because of a few dishonest, corrupt government officials.

The paper goes on to say that it's of vital importance to put in government positions officials who are trusted by the people, rather than those favored only by their leaders.

With this regard, the paper notes that the public poll will serve as a supervision mechanism to oversee that officials do not abuse the rights and power in their hand. The poll is set to be conducted annually.