"I declare my candidacy for the presidential election, not because I am chasing power but because I want to lead our people towards glory, progress and prosperity," he said in a speech, broadcast live on Libyan television.

His announcement comes two days after the candidacy of Seif al-Islam Kadhafi -- the son of slain leader Moamer Kadhafi -- who has been accused of war crimes by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

In his speech Tuesday, Haftar affirmed that the poll is "the only way to pull Libya out of chaos".

On September 22, he provisionally retired from his role as head of the LNA in line with electoral law to allow him to run for president.

Following his announcement, Haftar is expected to head to the electoral authority to formalise his candidacy.

Next month's election is seen by the international community as a key step in restoring stability to Libya after a decade of conflict since the overthrow of Kadhafi in a NATO-backed uprising.

But the path to the ballot box has been lined with disputes over the constitutional basis for the polls and the powers to be given to whoever wins.

Some observers have warned that there are no guarantees either side will respect the result of the election.