By Isabelle Yr Carlsson and Louise Rasmussen
COPENHAGEN (Reuters) – Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark, will hold a parliamentary election on March 11 with independence a key campaign theme after U.S. President Donald Trump said he wants control over the world’s biggest island.
Greenland became a formal territory of the Kingdom of Denmark in 1953, with Copenhagen controlling foreign affairs, defence and monetary policy. It has had the right to hold a referendum on independence since 2009 and some locals see the election as a chance to secede.
WHAT’S AT STAKE?
Polls show that a majority of Greenlanders favour political and economic independence from its former colonial ruler. However, views differ on the timing and the potential impact on living standards, with Denmark contributing just under $1 billion annually to the local economy.
The island has a rich but largely untapped supply of resources, including ample rare earth minerals.
Trump sees Greenland’s strategic location as the shortest route from Europe to North America as vital for the U.S. ballistic missile warning system.
WHAT WILL ELECTION DAY LOOK LIKE?
Polls will open on March 11 at 1100 GMT and close at 2200 GMT. There will be no exit polls, and the result is expected on March 12 between 0100 GMT and 0300 GMT.
WHO CAN VOTE?
Out of Greenland’s 57,000 citizens, around 40,500 are eligible to vote, according to Greenland’s Domestic Affairs Ministry. Around 27,000 people voted in the last general election in 2021.
There are 31 seats in Greenland’s parliament, Inatsisartut, and 16 seats are needed for a majority.
WHAT PARTIES ARE RUNNING?
Inuit Ataqatigiit
Greenland’s ruling party, the left-leaning socialist Inuit Ataqatigiit (IA), led by Prime Minister Mute Egede, advocates for an economically and politically independent Greenland, but has not yet proposed a plan to achieve this.
IA opposes mining for uranium and other radioactive materials due to risks to the environment.
The party currently holds 11 seats in Greenland’s parliament and is represented in Denmark’s parliament by Aaja Chemnitz, who holds one of Greenland’s two seats in the Danish Folketing.
IA has said it will not rush an independence vote through after the general election, cautioning about possible economic and welfare implications.
Siumut
Greenland’s largest party, the social democratic Siumut, led by Erik Jensen, supports a gradual succession from Denmark, suggesting a referendum in the coming four years.
The party proposes reducing the economic contribution of about $17,500 per inhabitant the island receives yearly from Denmark over the next 15 years as Greenland moves towards full independence.
Siumut currently holds 10 seats in Greenland’s parliament.
Naleraq
Left-wing Naleraq, led by Pele Broberg, is the largest opposition party and strongly advocates for a swift transition to full independence.
Naleraq has said that becoming a sovereign state will spur new business opportunities for Greenland and wants to develop opportunities for industries such as fishing, which accounts for more than 95% of exports.
It has also said it wants to pursue a defence agreement with the U.S. and could choose a so-called “free association”, under which Greenland would receive U.S. support and protection in return for military rights, without becoming a U.S. territory.
It could also consider such an option with Denmark, or another country.
Naleraq currently holds five seats in parliament.
Demokraatit
Social-liberal Demokraatit, led by Greenland’s Minister of Industry and Raw Minerals Jens-Frederik Nielsen, envisions an independent Greenland with a free market economy.
However, it cautions against premature action to safeguard the people and economy from a potential decline in living standards.
Demokraatit currently holds three seats in parliament.
Atassut
The centre-right conservative party Atassut, led by Aqqalu Jerimiassen, advocates for unity with the Danish realm and opposes a transition to independence without a clear plan.
According to Atassut, Greenland is not yet ready for independence.
The party currently has two parliamentary representatives.
Qulleq
Newly-formed left-wing Qulleq, led by Karl Ingemann, advocates for rapid independence and wants full control of the island’s resources, which it says could alleviate social and economic suffering among Greenlanders.
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(Reporting by Isabelle Yr Carlsson and Louise Ramussen; Editing by Sharon Singleton)
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