Greenland conducted a pivotal election on Tuesday, receiving global attention after US President Donald Trump showed interest in purchasing the mineral-rich Arctic region. The election has reopened talks on Greenland’s future, such as its possible trajectory towards independence from Denmark.
Since assuming the presidency in January, Trump has underscored Greenland’s strategic value to US national security and reaffirmed his desire to add it to American dominion. The island of 57,000 inhabitants has found itself at the center of a new geopolitical race in the Arctic region, where thawing ice is opening up accessible resources and new commercial routes. Russia and China have increased their military footprint in the area as well.
Previously a Danish colony, Greenland became a territory in 1953 and was given limited autonomy in 1979, enabling it to have its own parliament. Yet Copenhagen continues to have jurisdiction over foreign affairs, defense, and monetary policy and gives Greenland almost $1 billion every year in economic aid. A referendum in 2009 gave Greenland the power to attain full independence, though economic issues have hindered it from doing so.
Polling centers began opening at 1100 GMT throughout the island, and 40,500 registered voters cast their votes. The ballots will be counted after the polling ends at 2200 GMT, and final results are due between 0100 GMT and 0300 GMT on Wednesday.
Expectations were high among candidates and voters. Liv Aurora, a member of the Inuit Ataqatigiit governing party, hoped for a clear result. “I hope people use common sense instead of greed,” she told a Nuuk polling station. “My intention is to make Greenland stronger and lay the groundwork for independence.”
As the ballots are counted, the result of the election may determine the future of Greenland, and possibly change its status with Denmark and affect world Arctic politics.
