NEW : Military council says it is El - Sisi 's , but it highly encourages his candidacy . Field Marshal Abdel - Fattah El - Sisi is expected to announce soon whether he 'll run . The army general was defense minister when the military deposed President Abbas last year . Candidates can officially declare themselves next month .
NEW : Military council says choice is El-Sisi 's , but it highly encourages his candidacy . Field Marshal Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi is expected to announce soon whether he 'll run . The army chief was defense minister when the military ousted President Morsy last year . Candidates can officially declare themselves next month .