Byo Mayor David Coltart advocates for transparency...

Byo Mayor David Coltart advocates for transparency in CCC structures

… as CCC ex-treasurer-general says strategic ambiguity can not continue

Nyashadzashe Ndoro

Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart has weighed in on the ongoing debate surrounding the lack of formal structures within the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change, insinuating that the party lacks critical democratic structures.

Coltart, a fervent believer in the concept of “prefiguration”, argues that any entity striving to establish a democratic order must itself embody democratic principles.

“It is logical,” Coltart stated. “There may be instances during a struggle where complete openness is not possible due to opposing forces that could exploit democratic structures. In such situations, I understand the need for a temporary period of ‘strategic ambiguity.’”

Coltart, however, emphasises that such ambiguity can not be a permanent state. He believes the CCC must establish a democratic constitution and clearly outline its policies within a manifesto to truly reflect its ideals.

Looking towards the future, Coltart underlines the importance of these two elements for any genuine political party aiming to replace the current government.

“These structures,” he suggests, “are critical for building trust and demonstrating a commitment to the very principles the party stands for.”

“I’m a fervent believer in something called Prefiguration. It is a theory that holds that any entity that desires to bring about democratic order must be democratic itself. That is logical. There may be stages in the struggle where you can’t be completely open because there will be forces against that will exploit any democratic structures that you have. To that extent, I understood the necessity for a short time of what is called ‘strategic ambiguity’.

“However, I also understood that this couldn’t carry on identity. It was critically important for the CCC to have a democratic constitution and policies layout in a manifesto that reflected its ideals. Looking into the future, I believe that any genuine political party, if it wishes to replace the current order of tyranny, needs to have those two critical elements as part of its structures,” he said.

Coltart’s comments come amidst ongoing discussions regarding the CCC’s lack of formal structures and its potential impact on the party’s effectiveness. Some critics argue that the absence of a clear hierarchy and defined policies hinders transparency and accountability.

After losing the 2023 harmonised general elections with 44% against President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s 52.6%, CCC leader Nelson Chamisa dumped the, alleging of infiltration and election rigging.