Groenlanders went to the polls on Tuesday in an election that has attracted international attention after the promise of the president of the United States, Donald Trump, to take control of the island rich in minerals, intensifying the debate on his future and independence.
Since he assumed the position in January, Trump has reiterated his intention to make Greenland, a semi -autonomous territory of Denmark, part of the United States, arguing that the island is crucial for the security interests of the United States.
The choice is produced in the midst of a growing geopolitical competence in the Arctic, since the fusion of ice caps makes the island the natural resources more accessible and open new maritime routes.
Russia and China have also increased military presence in the region, increasing its strategic importance.
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Greenland, home of only 57,000 people, was a Danish colony before becoming a territory in 1953.
He assured a limited autonomy in 1979 with the formation of his first parliament, although Denmark still retains control over foreign affairs, defense and monetary policy, and provides almost $ 1 billion annually to support its economy.
In 2009, Greenland won the right to declare full independence through a referendum, but has not yet exercised it due to concerns about the potential impact on the standard of living without continuous Danish financial support.
The vote began at 1100 GMT in 72 electoral centers on the island, with 40,500 people eligible to launch their vote. The surveys will close to 2200 GMT, and final results are expected between 0100 GMT and 0300 GMT on Wednesday.
“I feel very excited. I hope people vote with their common sense and without greed, ”said Liv Aurora, a candidate with the Inuit Ataqatigiit ruling party, in a voting station in the Nuuk capital. “I hope to make a difference and make Greenland strong and independent.”
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