Greenland, the world’s largest island, Voices on Tuesday To elect the next parliament and the government.

The densely populated Danish region elections usually attract local attention. However, this vote comes at a time when the island exploded in geopolitical importance, with US President Donald Trump publicly declaring – repeatedly – his intention to obtain it.

Greenland, technically part of North America, is rich in metal resources, is located in the middle of the road between Russia and the United States, and is already hosting an American base.

“I think we’ll get it. Trump told the US Congress last week in comments that received a reaction from Greenland’s leaders.

So who will vote in the elections? What are the main parties? What are the main issues that drive voters? And what should have a test for Greenland?

Who does he vote and how to work?

About 41,000 citizens of about 56,000 people in Greenland are qualified to vote to elect 31 members to InatSISARTUT, Parliament in Greenland.

The elections follow a relative representation system, which means that the seats are distributed based on the share of the votes that each party receives.

The polling stations are expected to open at 9 am (11:00 GMT) and close at 8 pm (22:00 GMT) local time. Despite the country’s large and ballet scene, it is expected that the high voters will be expected to be approximately 70 to 75 percent, according to experts, the island spoke.

Looking at the relatively small voters, preliminary results are usually available within hours after opinion polls are closed, with confirmation, the final results are usually announced the next day.

What are the main parties and what do they stand?

Many parties compete for the elections. While some have similar views regarding the need for economic development, each party still holds its own vision of what Greenland’s future should require:

• Communicated individuals (IA): The Left Party, led by the current Prime Minister, Mute Bourup egee, holds 11 seats in Parliament. It supports green independence, and has suggested that the referendum can happen in the coming years – but not necessarily in this electoral cycle.
• forward: The party has long been firm and has led parliament in the past, Siumut is currently opposed. Although it also supports independence, it prefers a more gradual approach, with a more focus on economic development.
• Naleraq: A strong supporter of independence party that focuses on green cultural identity and self -determination, calls for full sovereignty.
• Democrats: The right -right party, which gives economic growth, education and health care. It also calls for independence, but, like some other parties, stresses the need for economic stability as a prior condition.
• entity: A liberal conservative party supports maintaining strong relations with Denmark. It believes that the current preparation, with Greenland enjoying some autonomy under Denmark, can support the economic growth of the island.

Main issues

independence

Remain The most important and comprehensive topic In these elections, with some parties that defend more autonomy, and other calling for a gradual transition.

Trump has repeatedly called for the acquisition of the island, and he was told last week that the US Congress that this would improve national and international security.

His comments were The Prime Minister was quickly refuted by Prime Minister EdgeWho declared: “Greenland for us.”

Some experts believe that Trump’s statements have sparked discussions on independence from Denmark, which pays annual subsidies to the island.

“There is still a set of opinions about how quickly independence is or should happen,” Jennifer Spence, Director of the Arctic Initiative at the Blafer Center for International Science and Affairs, told Al Jazerara.

“But I believe, in general, that [Trump’s talk of taking over the island] She said that Greenlands was in their desire to communicate with the world they want and will eventually achieve full independence.

Others suggest that the American acquisition threat has actually strengthened Greenland’s relations with Copenhagen – and its mutual adoption.

“The unification of the future of Greenland within the Kingdom of Denmark, at least for several decades.

In the end, although “the Greenland government has the ability to summon the independence referendum if it wants it,” Powell said. “It is not up to Denmark or the United States.”

Ebbe Volquardsen, Professor of Cultural History at the University of Greenland, said that the majority of Greenland have supported full independence.

“This is not a new development,” Flakarden said to Al -Jazeera. “What is new, however, is the growing international interest in Greenland” since Trump began to show interest in bringing the island under the control of the United States.

Flakarten said that the geopolitical value of the island is now “uninterrupted”, as the negotiation situation in Greenland has been strengthened in its dialogue with Denmark to gain more autonomy.

He added that the discussion is not about whether Greenland should eventually announce independence, but rather “how and when this goal can be achieved.”

Economic Development:

Greenland’s economy is largely dependent on its fishing industry and on the Danish financial support.

Some parties argue that expanding industries such as mining, tourism and resource extraction can help Greenland to become more financially independent.

Greenland’s rich deposits of rare ground minerals and other natural resources have caught attention from global powers. “There are estimates that 25 percent of the rare earth elements in the world and critical minerals are in Greenland,” said Powell, making it a possible player in global supply chains.

But making minerals and mining a major element in the economic future in Greenland will not be easy. Only a handful of companies in the mining sector has been invested so far – extractive industries oppose the indigenous population in Greenland.

“There are also fundamental questions about the economic feasibility of extracting these resources due to the high costs and difficult conditions for mining in Greenland,” said Spence. “There are questions about environmental risks, the consequences of trying to reach these minerals in Greenland, and Greenland’s health, sexual and cultural risks.”

However, according to VolquardSen, Greenland is in a “unique moment of opportunities”, which many on the island sees an opportunity to redefine its relations with Denmark and build new international partnerships.

He said: “With the increasing global awareness of the importance of Greenland, the interest in investment – especially in the mining sector, is it is very important for the country’s economic future.”

How will the elections affect Greenland’s foreign relationships?

The elections can play a major role in reshaping Greenland’s approach to international partnerships.

Powell said Greenland will probably strengthen its relations with Denmark while expanding economic relations with the United States, Iceland and Canada.

“The elections will strengthen the principle internationally that this is the choice of Greenland. The elections are how people hear their democratic voice.

Spence believes that the result will provide the world “a sense of the speed that Greenland wants to search for full independence from the Kingdom of Denmark,” as well as the approach that you will use to respond to the interest of the United States on the island.

She said that she would also highlight who will cooperate with the progress of his interests and politics priorities.

How long does Denmark control Greenland?

Greenland is now an independent Danish region and gradually increases its independence from Denmark over the years.

It was granted limited autonomy in 1979, followed by the broader autonomy in 2009, which includes the right to declare independence from Denmark through the referendum.

Today, Greenland runs most of its local affairs, including police and resource management, but Denmark still oversees foreign policy and defense.

Powell pointed out that the financial assistance of Denmark is still necessary for a jarf.

Copenhagen grants Greenland grant annual grant amounting to about $ 570 million, which is more than half of Greenland’s budget and 20 percent of the island’s GDP (GDP).

With the expectation of the strong voters, the election results are expected to be widely expected to provide an insight into the political path of Greenland.

But according to Kelegarden, “radical changes cannot be expected.”

He said that competing political parties agree on many major issues, and it is unlikely to be completely changed in the government.

Flakarten said that a dialogue between Greenland and Denmark is expected to resume after the elections.

“The target” is to give Greenland greater authority and diversify its location within a broader network of commercial partners. “Enhancing cooperation with its Western neighbors – especially the United States and Canada – is a natural step in this direction.”

Why is Trump very interested in Greenland?

Greenland Strategic location and resource possibility Trump’s attention was attracted.

In 2019, Trump first expressed his interest in buying Greenland during his first presidential term, citing its strategic importance and resource wealth. This benefit continued.

Greenland offers the shortest road from North America to Europe, giving the United States the strategic upper hand to its military and ballistic missile system.

The United States is also maintaining an air base in Greenland and expressed interest in expanding its military presence there by placing radars in the water that connects Greenland, Iceland and the United Kingdom.

This water is a gateway for Russian and Chinese ships, which Washington seeks to monitor. The United States also wants to prevent China from getting hegemony on the island and the Arctic in general.

In recent years, Russia has sought its maritime presence, deployed missile systems, and has formed an arms test in the region.

Currently, all the five parties in Parliament said it did not want Greenland to become part of the United States.

A poll published last month also showed that 85 percent of Greenland opposes this idea, as nearly half of them said they saw Trump’s interest is a threat.

Flakarten said that one of the most controversial issues in the campaign is whether Greenland should deal proactively with the United States.

“Some political figures call for early discussions to clarify our intentions and explore the potential negotiations that can benefit both parties,” he said. “Others believe that this is risky … and they argue that Greenland should enhance its current partnerships with Denmark and Europe.”