Egypt's Defense Minister Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi is meeting with the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF), where he is expected to submit his resignation from the military, Ahram Online reported, citing a military source.

El-Sisi's resignation would be seen as the first official step towards running in Egypt's upcoming presidential elections, the campaign due to begin March 30.

Military personnel are not allowed to enter politics, as per Egyptian law.

The SCAF meeting is also expected to determine El-Sisi's successor as defense minister, the source said, adding that Chief of Staff Sedki Sobhi will likely be chosen.

The new chief of staff will also be named at the meeting.

Presidential hopefuls in this year's elections – Egypt's second since the 2011 uprising – will be able to apply for candidacy with the Presidential Elections Committee (PEC) on March 30, according to predictions.

A new president will be named before July 17, interim President Adly Mansour said.