Egypt's Army Chief To Run For President

The head of Egypt's army will run for president of the beleaguered country after stepping down from his post, a vote he is widely expected to win.

Wearing military fatigues, Abdel Fattah al Sisi announced the step in a nationally televised speech.

Standing down was required by law as only civilians can run.

The 59-year-old said he was "answering the demand of a wide range of Egyptians" and pledged to build a "modern and democratic Egypt".

A woman celebrates al Sisi's announcement

"These recent years of our nation's history have conclusively shown that no one can become president of Egypt against the will of the people."

He said the country faced "monumental challenges", including a "weak economy" and high unemployment.

"I cannot make miracles. Rather, I propose hard work and self-denial," he added.

The poll anticipated next month is expected to restore a tradition which has seen Egypt have presidents from a military background for all but one year since 1952.

The country has been in turmoil for much of the past three years. Mass protests got rid of autocrat Hosni Mubarak in 2011 and elections followed a year later.

Mohammed Morsi assumed office as Egypt's first freely elected and civilian president. But he was in office for little more than a year when he too was removed.

Since then the military-backed interim government has waged a crackdown on the Muslim Brotherhood, the party of Mr Morsi, declaring it a terrorist group.

Students shout slogans in protests at Cairo University

On Monday, more than 500 Muslim Brotherhood supporters were sentenced to death.

Protests against the interim government continue. On Wednesday students in several universities held demonstrations that developed into clashes with security forces.

An 18-year-old student was killed at Cairo University, the health ministry said.

Magdy Karkar, a senior member of a Brotherhood-led coalition behind anti-government protests, said: "His running will not achieve stability in Egypt. It's true he has many supporters who love him or even worship him.

"But on the other hand, there are those who hate General al Sisi and hold him responsible for the blood that has been shed."

Egyptian media have been portraying al Sisi as "the savior of the nation" for removing Morsi - and touting him as the only person capable of running the country.

Only one other person has announced they will stand - leftist politician Hamdeen Sabahi - who came third in 2012.

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