Ammon News - State Media says top generals have given green light to Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, who led the overthrow of Mohamed Morsi.

The official state news agency has said Egypt's top generals have endorsed a presidential run by the army chief who led the toppling of the former president Mohamed Morsi last summer.

MENA on Monday said an official announcement by Sissi of his candidacy could take place "within hours,'' after the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces "unanimously delegated" him to run in presidential elections during an hours-long meeting Monday.

The announcement was made shortly after interim President Adely Mansour promoted el-Sissi to field marshal, the military's highest rank, apparently as an honour before he steps down from the military as required for him to run.

Presidential elections are due to take place by end of April.

El-Sisi, who toppled Islamist president Mohamed Morsi last year, is widely expected to contest the election due within six months, and win easily.

Sisi has become hugely popular since the military takeover, with supporters viewing him as a decisive figure who can tackle unrest that has gripped Egypt since the 2011 uprising that brought down Hosni Mubarak's regime.

*Agencies