Ahmadinejad: Western Votes 'A Battleground For Capitalists'

Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad gestures during a press conference as part of the Bali Democracy Forum.

Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad has called elections in the United States and Europe "a battleground for capitalists and an excuse for hefty spending."

Speaking at the opening day of the Bali Democracy Forum, Ahmadinejad said it was not important who won or lost the U.S. presidential election.

When asked to comment on President Barack Obama's reelection, Ahmadinejad said "the important thing is policies and behaviors, and these behaviors must change."

The United States and European Union fear Iran seeks nuclear weapons and have imposed tough economic sanctions in an effort to force Tehran to be more transparent with its nuclear program.

Ahmadinejad was reelected in 2009 in a vote marred by fraud allegations.

Postelection protests were violently put down by the government.

Based on reporting by AP, AFP, and dpa