In a first, poll officials in the five poll-bound states will have to declare in writing if any of their relatives is contesting the elections from where they are posted.
In another first, EC plans to have some all-women polling stations where all officials, from the presiding officer to security personnel, will be women.
Announcing the schedule for Assembly elections in Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry, Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi said this is the first time that poll officials are being asked to make such a declaration.
It will create a level-playing field for those in the fray and ensure that officials are not able to extend undue favours to their relatives, he said.
"Thus far, we used to act on complaints. Now, as soon as the nomination process is over, officials will have to give it in writing whether any of their relatives is contesting from that (particular) or from any other constituency," he said.
Talking about the all-women polling booths, Zaidi said that in some areas, women are hesitant to deal with men. The all-women polling stations will help ensure better participation of women in the electoral exercise, he said.
