Obama hails start of Afghan election campaign

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama, hailing the start of Afghanistan's national election campaign, said on Tuesday its next leader must do more to bring accountability to government and work to improve regional security.

Obama weighed in as opponents facing an uphill battle to unseat Afghan President Hamid Karzai in August 20 elections rallied supporters and sent them out into the streets to put up posters to mark the official launch of campaigning.

Karzai has in the past faced criticism in Washington for his handling of the fight against a Taliban resurgence and from international donors for failing to take stronger action against government corruption.

"The successful presidential candidate will have a full agenda and high expectations," Obama said in a statement. "Afghan institutions must better serve the people. There must be full accountability and transparency, so that Afghans can see where their money is spent."

"Fighters who are ready to lay down their arms and embrace peace must be reintegrated," he added. "And Afghanistan needs to work with all her neighbors to promote security and opportunity in the region."

Insisting his administration would remain impartial, Obama voiced support for the Afghan people's right to choose their own leaders and assured them their next president "will have a partner in the United States."

Since taking office in January, Obama has taken a more pragmatic, arms-length approach to dealing with Karzai than his predecessor in the White House, George W. Bush.

Karzai has led Afghanistan since U.S.-led forces ousted the Taliban in 2001 for sheltering Osama bin Laden and other al Qaeda leaders behind the September 11 attacks on the United States. He won the first presidential poll in 2004.

Karzai, seen as vulnerable earlier this year, has consolidated his authority recently. An opinion survey from last month by a U.S.-based group gave him a wide lead.