DHAKA: Field Marshal Abdul Fattah al-Sisi has announced that he has resigned as Egypt`s military chief in order to stand for the presidency.
In a widely expected announcement, he said on state TV he was appearing "in my military uniform for the last time".
Field Marshal Sisi led the overthrow of Islamist President Mohammed Morsi in July after mass opposition protests.
Correspondents say he is likely to win the presidency, given his popularity and the lack of any serious rivals.
Abdul Fattah al-Sisi has surprised no-one by announcing his farewell to arms. His exit from Egypt`s military was carefully choreographed over a period of months.
In or out of uniform he will be viewed as the military`s man. Just three years after the revolution - which was supposed to end decades of military rule - Egypt`s generals are again supplying the country`s leader.
The softly spoken former intelligence chief - with no combat experience - will now have to fight on several fronts. He will inherit a bitterly divided nation, a crippled economy and a growing insurgency.
Diplomatic sources say he is a reluctant candidate who is well aware of the pitfalls ahead. One problem he won`t have is winning.
Sisi enjoys huge support, and so far has no serious challengers. Some potential candidates have refused to run saying the opposition can`t campaign freely and the election will be a farce.
Analysts warn that Sisi`s strong support could wane if he can`t make progress fast.
To his supporters, the 59-year-old former army chief is a saviour who can end the political turmoil dogging Egypt since 2011 when a popular uprising ended Hosni Mubarak`s three decades of one-man rule.
But his opponents hold him responsible for what human rights groups say are widespread abuses, and fear that he wants a return to authoritarianism.
His announcement came hours after Egypt`s interim authorities ordered the prosecution of 919 suspected Islamists and days after 528 were sentenced to death in a separate case.
Source: BBC
BDST: 1011 HRS, MAR 27, 2014
