Will Freedom Be Iran Election Issue?

Although in most countries the state has a limited interest in people's personal affairs, Iran has retained a say over such matters, including personal appearance, whether an individual's clothing or hairstyle.

The Islamic Republic rests on an ideology that believes in "collective morality" in an Islamic context. In light of this, the morality police have been operating to enforce "Islamic modesty" and prevent individuals from engaging in supposedly "un-Islamic conduct," such as wearing Western-style clothing. The state has actively intervened in the private sphere and has determined how people ought to dress and socialize in public and in private. In other words, the state has enforced an "Islamic protocol," which citizens need to respect in order to avoid being sanctioned.

At his first press conference after announcing his candidacy for Iran's presidential election in June, Mir Hussein Mousavi, a former prime minster, promised that he would end controversial restrictions on clothing deemed "un-Islamic." In a country where 70 percent of the population is under 30, the question of social freedom appeals to a majority of voters. Demographically, the youth vote can determine the fate of any candidate, therefore it is not surprising that Mousavi made his pledge. But did he say what he did merely to gain the support of the young, or were his intentions true? More importantly, even if he is being sincere, considering the factionalism of the Iranian political system, as president could he be able to implement his promise?

Arguably, the choices individuals make when it comes to their personal appearance show their level of dedication to Islamic values. At the same time, the state claims to base its legitimacy on these values. This has led to a struggle between the state and many in society. The morality police claims to fight against "cultural invasion" from the West, and youths passively resist by pursuing a so-called "un-Islamic" lifestyle.