“Thirty minor political parties in Mozambique who participated in last October’s general elections have been given a month’s ultimatum to explain how they spent state funds meant to bankroll their campaign activities,” reports Star Africa.

The parties concerned may face severe legal penalties if found wanting, according to  the Mozambique News Agency. Under Mozambican electoral law, funds from the state budget can be used for parties’ election campaigns, and are distributed by the National Elections Commission. But only under the condition that beneficiaries must provide documents  showing how the monies were spent.

Candidates who don’t do this may have to return the funds and be banned from participating in future elections.

Thus far, the three main parties– the ruling Frelimo Party, the former rebel movement Renamo, and the Mozambique Democratic Movement–MDM have all justified the money they spent to the satisfaction of the CNE.