TBILISI, DFWatch – Tuesday, the results of a reguler opinion poll done by the National Democratic Institute (NDI) are expected.

Although regular, the results are eagerly awaited because they will indicate the political landscape seven months before an election which will likely see two blocs competing against each other.

The ruling National Movement party has been in power for eight years under Mikheil Saakashvili’s leadership, but is challenged by the new Georgian Dream bloc, led by billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili.

Monday evening, the political parties were separately given some results by the NDI, which keeps the full results to itself but shares select pieces with stakeholders.

The ruling National Movement party said that the results show an improved rating compared to previous polls, but didn’t specify, according to Interpressnews.

Georgia is among former Soviet states where power has yet to be transferred by means of the ballot box, and this election is eagerly watched abroad to see whether it will signal a break with that pattern.