Abdul Fattah al-Sisi to run for Egypt’s presidency

Field Marshal Abdul Fattah al-Sisi has indicated he will run for Egypt’s presidency.

Abdul Fattah al-Sisi was quoted by the state news agency Mena as revealing that “official procedures” regarding his candidacy were expected in the coming days.

It is the clearest indication yet that Abdul Fattah al-Sisi will stand in the election which is scheduled to take place by mid-April.

The field marshal led the overthrow of President Mohamed Morsi in July.

He has been widely expected to resign and declare a presidential bid since the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) gave its public support at the end of January.

Correspondents say Abdul Fattah al-Sisi would be likely to win, given his popularity and the lack of any serious rivals.

The field marshal commented on his prospective candidacy in a speech at a graduation ceremony at the Egyptian Military Academy in Cairo.

Abdul Fattah al-Sisi said he could “not turn his back on calls by the majority of Egyptians for him to run for president”, Mena reported.