The polling stations in Greenland opened this Tuesday at 9:00 local time to start elections marked by the interest of Donald Trump, President of the United States, in acquiring this autonomous Danish territory, which seeks to become independent in the future.
About 41,000 Greenlanders are called to the polls and can vote until 8:00 PM. Due to the complicated Arctic weather conditions and the dispersion of the population, with 80% of the surface covered in ice, the vote counting is expected to be a long process.
In the previous elections, the count concluded the next day at 4:30 local time. The only poll conducted before the elections indicates that the socialist Inuit Ataqatigiit is in the lead with 31%, followed by the social-democrat Siumut with 21.9%.
It is expected that the IA and Siumut, the two parties that have led governments in Greenland since it gained autonomy in 1979, can repeat the coalition that has been governing this Arctic island for the past three years.
The main issues concerning Greenlanders in these elections include health, education, the economy, and housing. The political parties are united in their support for independence but differ in the timelines and ways to achieve it.
Donald Trump’s insinuations regarding Greenland have been rejected by the majority of the political parties, considering them a disrespect. In a recent debate, there was distrust toward Trump's promises, except for one party that proposes a treaty for economic association with the United States.
It was revealed that the U.S. consulate in Nuuk sent a letter to Greenlandic parties weeks before the elections, inviting them to a meeting to discuss government priorities and relations with the United States. This action generated criticism for trying to influence local elections.
