Egypt's interim President Adli Mansour promoted Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Sedki Sobhi to the higher rank of general, which is seen as a prior step to replace Defense Minister Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi in case he resigns, state TV reported Wednesday.

Mansour wrapped up a meeting with the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces on Wednesday night amid speculations that military chief Sisi would tender his resignation in order to officially announce his bid for presidential elections.

Egypt's newly-approved constitution allows only civilians to run for the top post, which requires Sisi to give up the military post to join the presidential race.