Myanmar President Thein Sein.

Myanmar President Thein Sein yesterday made his first public appearance since the start of a campaign for November 8 general elections, meeting leaders of ethnic minority guerrilla groups for ceasefire talks in the capital Naypyitaw.

Clinching a deal with rebel groups would be a political win for Thein Sein, who made it his top priority, boosting the chances of his ruling Union Solidarity and Development Party in the first general elections since the end of military rule.

But an agreement with all ethnic armies is unlikely, experts say, with some groups excluded from the talks, as fighting in the restive Kokang region along Myanmar’s border with China has continued unabated since February.

“I’d like to stress the importance of peace in the transition to democracy,” Thein Sein said at the opening. “Without peace, it is not possible. I hope today’s summit will pave the way to signing the nationwide ceasefire agreement by the end of September.”

Thein Sein has proposed September 29 for the signing, a source who declined to be identified because of the sensitivity of the topic told Reuters.

The president is not running in the elections, but the Myanmar constitution allows lawmakers, who select the president, to vote for a person from outside parliament, giving Thein Sein a chance of reelection.

Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi last week urged the rebels not to rush the deal, but work slowly on a pact to ensure lasting peace and stability. She said all groups should be included in the accord.

In the first showdown of the election campaign, Suu Kyi will meet voters today in Kayah state, where powerful Minister of the President’s Office Soe Thein, the architect of Thein Sein’s economic reforms, is running for a seat.

Suu Kyi will today give two speeches close to Loikaw, the state capital, and will tour the area until Saturday, activists said.

“She is coming here just to support our candidates, because it looks like we are weaker than the rivals,” Thaung Htay, 56, a member of the Loikaw chapter of Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy, told Reuters.

The party’s headquarters in Loikaw was abuzz with activity.

Staff members readied banners, hoisted the party flag, and polished bronze statues of Suu Kyi and her father, Myanmar national hero General Aung San, ahead of the visit.