Tamarod, the youth movement that organized demonstrations last year that toppled Mohamed Mursi, has announced that it supports Defense Minister Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s decision not to run for presidency in the next election. 

It added in a statement titled “Yes, we support Sisi” late on Monday that it trusts the defense minister’s ability to lead the army and protect Egyptian grounds. 

Sisi had told The Washington Post that he does not intend to run for presidency and expressed hopes that elections will take place soon without bloodshed. 

The army’s spokesman had also reaffirmed that Sisi will not run for presidency, pointing out that the army will stand at the same distance from all candidates.