Georgia Opposition Leading in Exit Polls

The pro-Russian opposition looks headed to victory over the pro-American government in the former Soviet republic

Exit polls in Georgia have given an early edge to the opposition coalition in Monday's parliamentary vote, but the lead may not translate into a victory.

A state television exit poll says pro-Russian billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili's group "Georgian Dream" leads with 35-percent of the vote over President Mikheil Saakashvili's ruling United National Movement's 30 percent. But since nearly half of the remaining 150 seats are to be determined by majority vote in their constituencies — where the president's party is considered a favorite — Mr. Saakashvili's coalition could keep its majority in the parliament.