Egyptian Army Denies Reports of Sisi’s Presidential Bid

{{The Egyptian army denied claims first reported Thursday in a Kuwaiti newspaper that army chief Field Marshal Abdel Fattah al-Sisi had announced his candidacy for president.}}

A few hours after the news was reported by Kuwaiti newspaper Al-Seyassah and ran widely in the international press, the army said the paper had “misinterpreted” Sisi’s intentions.

The newspaper had quoted Sisi saying he had no alternative but to meet the Egyptian people’s wishes for him to run.

“I will not reject the demand,” said Sisi, who is seen as a decisive figure who can ease political turmoil, which has hit Egypt’s economy hard.

“I will present this to the Egyptian people to renew confidence through free voting.”

If Sisi does announce his candidacy, the move would almost certainly lead to increased political tensions and anger amongst Islamist militants who have stepped up attacks on the state since Sisi ousted Islamist leader Mohammed Morsi in July.

{agencies}