Egypt's al-Sisi resigns, to run for president

CAIRO

Egyptian Defense Minister Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi resigned on Wednesday and announced his intention to run for Egypt's presidency.

"This is the last time that I appear in front of you in my military fatigue," al-Sisi said in a televised address.

The resignation came shortly following a meeting of Egypt's Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF), which consists of the country's top brass.

Interim President Adly Mansour attended SCAF meeting, during which army chief-of-staff Sedki Sobhi was promoted to the rank of general, in a move that shows he is likely to replace al-Sisi as Egypt's Defense Minister.

Al-Sisi, who is widely seen as the chief architect of last summer's ouster of elected president Mohamed Morsi, said that he would run for Egypt's presidency.

"I announce my intention to run for president. Your support will give me this great honor," he said.

"I consider myself as a soldier serving this country," al-Sisi said. "I will serve my country wherever its people want me to."

For months, al-Sisi has been expected to retire from his top military post so as to become eligible to contest the presidential candidacy.

In more than one public appearance in recent weeks, al-Sisi has hinted at his intention to run for president. An official announcement to this effect is expected following his resignation.

Speculation regarding al-Sisi's presidential candidacy picked up speed in January, when the SCAF voiced its "respect" for "popular demands" that al-Sisi run for president.

The council described these "popular demands" as "a call that should be answered."

Although he is now idolized by supporters, al-Sisi had kept a low public profile until last July, when he announced the ouster of Morsi – Egypt's first freely elected leader, who had himself promoted al-Sisi from military intelligence chief to defense minister in August 2012.

Since Morsi's removal from office on the back of massive demonstrations against his presidency, al-Sisi has ridden a wave of popularity, which has been heavily promoted by the pro-army media and bolstered further by support from many politicians and public figures.

This has led observers to predict that the top general would dominate at the polls – dates for which have yet to be announced.

Yet while he is hailed as a national hero by his supporters, critics – especially those from Egypt's embattled Islamist camp – hold al-Sisi responsible for a deadly crackdown which has left hundreds dead and thousands detained since Morsi's ouster.

Calls by many political figures for an al-Sisi presidential bid have also drawn criticism from a number of activists, who believe military men should remain far from politics in a country ruled by generals – Morsi being the sole exception – for over 60 years.

These activists, along with some legal experts, have also voiced concern over the integrity of the upcoming polls.

Their reservations stem largely from a recent decision by interim President Mansour to maintain a controversial article in a new elections law that puts all decisions made by Egypt's electoral commission – including final poll results – beyond appeal.

Presidential elections will constitute the second phase of an army-imposed transitional roadmap unveiled by al-Sisi following Morsi's ouster. The first step of the plan was completed in January with the approval of a new constitution via public referendum.

Parliamentary polls, the final milestone of the roadmap, are expected sometime this year after presidential elections.

By Nada Rashwan

englishnews@aa.com.tr