Egyptian army chief Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has been promoted to the rank of field marshal, in what security officials told Reuters news agency is a sign he is about to declare his candidacy for the presidency.
The army command on Monday discussed Sisi's presidential bid, the AFP news agency reported.
The state news agency also reported the military council was discussing "the public's request" for Sisi to run for president.
The presidency announced General Sisi's promotion without giving details.
"The decision was expected and it is the first step before the resignation of the general and his candidacy announcement which is now expected very soon," said a security official.
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.
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