Announcement on state-run TV confirms months of speculation regarding the former army chief’s presidential hopes
Field Marshal Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi resigned from the military on Wednesday and announced that he was determined to run in Egypt’s upcoming presidential elections, slated to begin 30 March.
“Today is the last time you’ll see me wearing this [military] uniform. I was honoured to wear it to defend the nation and today I am also leaving it behind to defend the nation,” said El-Sisi, stressing that he has been a member of the armed forces for over 45 years.
The last few years in Egypt have proved “that no one could be president without the people’s will,” he said.
“My determination to run in the election does not bar others from their right to run. I will be happy if whoever the people choose succeeds,” he said, adding that he hopes for “a nation for all without exclusion.”
Any Egyptian who has not been convicted by the law, El-Sisi said, is unconditionally welcomed to be an active partner in the future of Egypt.
He said that he does not intend to “have a traditional campaign but rather a comprehensive vision for the nation to rise,” and called on his supporters not “to spend a lot” for his campaign.
The presidential hopeful also expressed his determination to fight for a “fearless Egypt.”
“Egypt is rich with its resources and people [and yet] it relies on donations and assistance. This is not acceptable. Egyptians deserve much better,” he said.
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