Greenlanders head to polls with independence and US relations at forefront

Polling stations opened in Greenland on March 11 for the island's parliamentary elections, with voters choosing 31 members of the Inatsisartut (Greenlandic Parliament).

Polling will remain open until 20:00 local time, Caliber.Az reports via international media sources.

Members of the Greenland Parliament serve a four-year term. The previous election took place on April 6, 2021, with results announced around 4:30 a.m. local time on the day after the vote. Both political parties and independent candidates can stand for election. Each party can nominate up to 62 candidates for the 31 available seats.

While there is no formal electoral threshold, approximately 3% of the total vote is typically required to secure a seat. In 2025, 40,482 eligible voters are expected, including Danish citizens over 18 who have resided in Greenland for at least six months prior to the election.

In the 2021 election, there were 41,126 eligible voters, of whom 27,109 cast ballots, resulting in a voter turnout of 65.9%. The highest turnout on record, 76%, was seen in 1999.

To secure a majority, at least 16 seats are needed in Parliament. Currently, the two largest parties in Greenland — Inuit Ataqatigiit (People's Community), a socialist party, and the social democratic Siumut (Forward) party — hold seats in the government. The current head of government, Mute Egede of Inuit Ataqatigiit, has stated that forming a new broad coalition could be on the table after the election.

One of the key issues in the election is Greenland's future independence. While Greenland remains an autonomous region within Denmark, many Greenlanders support full independence. Opinion polls show significant backing for independence, though there is no clear consensus on the timing or method for achieving it.

Four parties are in favour of independence, while polls in January indicated that only 6% of the population favours joining the United States, a topic raised by former US President Donald Trump. Recent surveys suggest nearly 80% of Greenlanders support moves toward future statehood, though half of those in favour of independence would be less enthusiastic if it meant a decline in living standards.

An earlier poll revealed that 85% of Greenlanders do not want to become part of the United States, and nearly half view Trump's interest as a threat. Experts believe concerns about a potential lower standard of living could influence voters to lean toward maintaining the status quo.

Greenland’s right to self-determination is enshrined by the 2009 Self-Rule Act, but experts note that achieving full independence would require extensive preparation and negotiations with Denmark, as well as a referendum. Greenland’s path to independence could take "about 10 to 15 years," according to Kaj Kleist, a veteran Greenlandic politician and civil servant. "There is a lot of preparation and negotiations with the Danish government before you can make that a reality," he explained.

With many hurdles ahead, experts suggest that Greenland is unlikely to achieve full independence before 2028, the end of Trump’s second term, even if it takes steps toward independence in the coming years.

Election results are expected to be announced in the early hours of March 12.

By Tamilla Hasanova