Myanmar President Thein Sein signs on documents during the signing ceremony of “Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement” at Myanmar International Convention Center on Thursday.

Myanmar on Thursday signed a cease-fire with eight ethnic minority armies in a step toward ending decades of civil war, a move weakened by the refusal of several other rebel groups to join the deal.

The truce is the fruit of more than two years of negotiations and was a key goal of reformist President Thein Sein ahead of November elections, which are likely to sweep his army-backed party from power.

In a lavish televised signing ceremony in the remote capital Naypyidaw, Thein Sein said the deal would give “an inheritance of peace” to future generations.

State-backed newspaper Global New Light of Myanmar said the agreement may herald a “fully fledged peace process that will end more than 60 years of civil conflict.”

But hopes for a full nationwide cease-fire before the November 8 election crumbled recently after several rebel groups baulked at any deal without the inclusion of all insurgent forces — notably smaller organizations locked in conflict with the army.

Myanmar’s powerful army chief and rebel representatives in ethnic dress attended the signing, while representatives from China, India, the European Union and United Nations were among the witnesses.

In a statement, the US State Department welcomed “a critical first step” in building sustainable peace, but raised concerns over continuing fighting in northern Kachin and Shan state.

The deal enables the groups involved to begin political dialogue with the government — a longstanding demand of ethnic minorities calling for greater autonomy.

But much depends on the actions of Myanmar’s army, which is not under civilian control.

Myanmar’s military held the country in an iron grip for decades and retains significant political clout, including holding a quarter of parliament’s seats.

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