Editor Guidelines

The African Journal of Political Science (AJPS) upholds rigorous editorial standards to ensure the publication of high-quality research. Key guidelines for editors include:

1. Editorial Independence:

  • Decision-Making: Editors are responsible for making publication decisions based solely on the scientific merit of manuscripts, free from external influences.

2. Confidentiality:

  • Handling of Manuscripts: Editors must treat all manuscripts as confidential documents, ensuring that privileged information or ideas obtained through the editorial process are not used for personal advantage.

3. Ethical Standards:

  • Plagiarism: The journal adheres to a strict zero-tolerance policy for plagiarism. Editors are responsible for ensuring that manuscripts are screened for plagiarism and that any instances are addressed appropriately.

  • Conflict of Interest: Editors must disclose any potential conflicts of interest and recuse themselves from handling manuscripts where such conflicts exist.

4. Peer Review Process:

  • Double-Blind Review: The journal employs a double-blind peer review process, where both authors and reviewers remain anonymous to each other. Editors are responsible for selecting qualified reviewers and ensuring the integrity of the review process.

5. Publisher Policies:

  • Transparency and Fairness: Editors must ensure that the journal operates transparently and fairly, providing clear information about the editorial and peer review processes.

  • Advertisement Policies: The journal does not accept advertisements within the content of its articles. Editors must ensure that any advertisements are clearly separated from research articles and do not influence editorial decisions.

6. Post-Publication Ethics:

  • Corrections and Retractions: Editors are responsible for handling post-publication issues, including corrections, retractions, and updates, in accordance with best practices and the journal's policies.

By adhering to these guidelines, editors uphold the integrity and quality of the journal's publications, ensuring that they contribute meaningfully to the field of political science.