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Middle East and North Africa

Egypt’s military chief resigns to run for presidency

In order to run for presidency, al-Sisi has to officially resign from his military post and become “an ordinary citizen”

Abdul Fattah al-Sisi ITAR-TASS/Mikhail Metsel

Abdul Fattah al-Sisi

© ITAR-TASS/Mikhail Metsel

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Egyptian defense minister has high chances to win presidential race - diplomat

CAIRO, March 27. /ITAR-TASS/. Egypt’s Defense Minister Abdul Fattah al-Sisi has filed for resignation. The local media reported that al-Sisi handed his resignation letter to Prime Minister Ibrahim Mahlab during the session of the Cabinet of Ministers. After that, Field Marshal shook the ministers’ hands and left the session.

Thursday’s resignation of al-Sisi was not unexpected. On March 26, Field Marshal announced that he would resign in order to run for president in the upcoming elections. Al-Sisi has enjoyed widespread popularity and support after an uprising ousted former president Mohammed Morsi. Field Marshal Sisi’s address to the nation was broadcast on all state TV channels.

In order to run for presidency, al-Sisi has to officially resign from his military post and become “an ordinary citizen.” On Wednesday, Field Marshal filed a resignation petition to the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces, which he headed since 2012.

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Middle East and North Africa

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