He called on the United States to stop interfering in other countries' affairs and withdraw from military bases worldwide.

Speaking on the opening day of the Bali Democracy Forum, a day after President Barack Obama was elected for a second term, Ahmadinejad said: "Just take a look at the situation in Europe and the US.

"An election, which is one of the manifestations of the people's will, has become a battleground for the capitalists, and an excuse for hefty spending."

An estimated $6 billion was spent in US federal races, making the 2012 general election the most expensive poll in American history, experts have said.

Asked to comment on Obama's re-election, he said: "Coming or going, winning or losing, is not important. The important thing is the policies and behaviours and these behaviours must change."

Ahmadinejad continued: "We must seek to see a day when US military bases would be dismantled in the world, and the spirit of intervention and interference on the part of US politicians in other countries will be turned into a spirit of friendship and respect for all nations."

Ahmadinejad also criticised "countries who claim to be the forerunners of democracy".

"Slavery, colonialism and rights abuses continue to be imposed on human beings," he said, without singling out any country in particular for criticism.

Ahmadinejad, re-elected Iranian president in 2009 in a vote marred by allegations of fraud, is attending the forum for the first time.

But critics have said that Tehran will use the meeting, which is being held for the fifth time, to try and combat its growing isolation as sanctions over its nuclear programme bite.

A host of world leaders including Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Afghan President Hamid Karzai are also attending the event.