Greenland voted Tuesday in legislative elections which could yield a timeline for independence for the Danish self-governing territory coveted by US President Donald Trump.
Trump, determined to get his hands on the vast Arctic island "one way or the other", tried until the last minute to influence the vote, sparking astonishment, rejection, and, to a small degree, enthusiasm among the 57,000 Greenlanders, most of whom favor independence.&nbsp;
After waiting in a long line with other voters, Greenland's outgoing Prime Minister Mute Egede -- who celebrated his 38th birthday on Tuesday -- cast his ballot shortly after polls opened at 9:00 am (1100 GMT).&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/highly-unpredictable-how-trumps-obsession-made-greenlands-election-the-most-important-in-its-history-8834922">&lsquo;Highly unpredictable&rsquo;: How Trump&rsquo;s obsession made Greenland&rsquo;s election the most important&nbsp;in&nbsp;its&nbsp;history</a>
"Our country is in the eye of the storm," he said in a video posted to Facebook just hours before the vote.
"The international community is watching us closely, and we have recently seen how much they are trying to influence our country," said Egede, leader of the left-green party Inuit Ataqatigiit (IA).
Polling stations close at 8:00 pm (2200 GMT) and first results are expected several hours later. &nbsp;
The lead-up of the election to choose the 31-seat parliament, the Inatsisartut, was mostly marked by debates on healthcare, education, and future ties with Denmark, which still controls foreign, defence and monetary policy.
Greenland's inhabitants -- almost 90 percent of whom are Inuits -- say they are tired of being treated like second-class citizens by their former colonial power, which they accuse of having historically suppressed their culture, carried out forced sterilisations and removed children from their families.
All of Greenland's main political parties back independence but disagree on the timeframe.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/greenland-sharks-live-up-to-400-years-without-cancers-8826837">Greenland sharks lead perfectly healthy lives up to 400 years, thanks to their DNA</a>
<h2>Independence now or later?&nbsp;</h2>
Some, such as the nationalist Naleraq party, the main opposition faction, want to seek independence quickly.
Others prefer to wait until the island is financially independent, including the two parties that make up the outgoing coalition, IA and social democratic Siumut.
The island, covered 80 percent by ice, depends on its fisheries sector, which accounts for almost all of its exports, and annual Danish subsidies of more than $565 million, equivalent to a fifth of its GDP.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greenland-rejects-trump-pledge-to-make-the-island-american-8796621">Greenland rejects Trump pledge to make the island American</a>
The most impatient independence backers believe Greenland will soon be able to stand on its own thanks to untapped mineral reserves, including rare earths crucial to the green transition.&nbsp;
But the mining sector is still in its embryonic stages, hampered by high costs due to Greenland's harsh climate and lack of infrastructure.
"We are about to make a huge change towards Greenland's independence and the fight for who we are as Inuit," influencer Qupanuk Olsen, a mining engineer standing for the Naleraq party, told AFP before she cast her ballot.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/in-a-first-scientists-record-countless-tiny-ice-quakes-inside-greenland-ice-stream-8716848">In a first, scientists record countless tiny 'ice quakes' inside Greenland ice stream</a>
<h2>More polarisation&nbsp;</h2>
Trump floated the idea of buying Greenland during his first mandate, a bid swiftly rejected by Danish and Greenlandic authorities.
Back in the White House, he has circled back on the ambition with greater fervour, refusing to rule out the use of force and invoking US national security.
Late Sunday, Trump invited Greenlanders "to be a part of the Greatest Nation anywhere in the World, the United States of America", promising to make them "rich".
The most recent polling on the issue, published in January, shows 85 percent of Greenlanders are opposed to Trump's idea.
"I've had enough of his empty threats," Anders Martinsen, a 27-year-old tax service employee, told AFP.
"There are a lot of Greenlanders who see the US differently with Trump as president, who are a little less inclined to cooperate even if that's what they would really want to do," he said.
"They can't own us," insisted Aka-Mark Thor-Moller, a 28-year-old accountant.&nbsp;
He said Greenland should seek independence "as soon as possible but not right now. We have to plan our economic development first."
The statements by Trump -- whom Prime Minister Egede has described as "unpredictable" -- sent a jolt through the election campaign.
Naleraq's nationalists say his remarks have given them leverage ahead of independence negotiations with Denmark.
But the comments have also chilled some independence supporters, making continued ties with Copenhagen more attractive to them, at least for now.&nbsp;
"Staying with Denmark is more important than ever right now because I think Denmark has mostly been good to us," said one voter who identified himself only as Ittukusuk.
"If we become independent, then Trump might get too aggressive and that's what scares me."
Political analysts say Trump's meddling in the election contributed to a more polarised debate by reinforcing each side's convictions, but overall it was not expected to influence the result.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

World: Greenland's outgoing Prime Minister Mute Egede -- who celebrated his 38th birthday on Tuesday -- cast his ballot shortly after polls opened at 9:00 am (1100 GMT).

Greenland voted Tuesday in legislative elections which could yield a timeline for independence for the Danish self-governing territory coveted by US President Donald Trump. Trump, determined to get his hands on the vast Arctic island "one way or the other", tried until the last minute to influence the vote, sparking astonishment, rejection, and, to a small degree, enthusiasm among the 57,000 Greenlanders, most of whom favor independence. After waiting in a long line with other voters, Greenland's outgoing Prime Minister Mute Egede -- who celebrated his 38th birthday on Tuesday -- cast his ballot shortly after polls opened at 9:00 am (1100 GMT). Also read: ‘Highly unpredictable’: How Trump’s obsession made Greenland’s election the most important in its history "Our country is in the eye of the storm," he said in a video posted to Facebook just hours before the vote. "The international community is watching us closely, and we have recently seen how much they are trying to influence our country," said Egede, leader of the left-green party Inuit Ataqatigiit (IA). Polling stations close at 8:00 pm (2200 GMT) and first results are expected several hours later. The lead-up of the election to choose the 31-seat parliament, the Inatsisartut, was mostly marked by debates on healthcare, education, and future ties with Denmark, which still controls foreign, defence and monetary policy. Greenland's inhabitants -- almost 90 percent of whom are Inuits -- say they are tired of being treated like second-class citizens by their former colonial power, which they accuse of having historically suppressed their culture, carried out forced sterilisations and removed children from their families. All of Greenland's main political parties back independence but disagree on the timeframe. Also read: Greenland sharks lead perfectly healthy lives up to 400 years, thanks to their DNA Independence now or later? Some, such as the nationalist Naleraq party, the main opposition faction, want to seek independence quickly. Others prefer to wait until the island is financially independent, including the two parties that make up the outgoing coalition, IA and social democratic Siumut. The island, covered 80 percent by ice, depends on its fisheries sector, which accounts for almost all of its exports, and annual Danish subsidies of more than $565 million, equivalent to a fifth of its GDP. Also read: Greenland rejects Trump pledge to make the island American The most impatient independence backers believe Greenland will soon be able to stand on its own thanks to untapped mineral reserves, including rare earths crucial to the green transition. But the mining sector is still in its embryonic stages, hampered by high costs due to Greenland's harsh climate and lack of infrastructure. "We are about to make a huge change towards Greenland's independence and the fight for who we are as Inuit," influencer Qupanuk Olsen, a mining engineer standing for the Naleraq party, told AFP before she cast her ballot. Also read: In a first, scientists record countless tiny 'ice quakes' inside Greenland ice stream More polarisation Trump floated the idea of buying Greenland during his first mandate, a bid swiftly rejected by Danish and Greenlandic authorities. Back in the White House, he has circled back on the ambition with greater fervour, refusing to rule out the use of force and invoking US national security. Late Sunday, Trump invited Greenlanders "to be a part of the Greatest Nation anywhere in the World, the United States of America", promising to make them "rich". The most recent polling on the issue, published in January, shows 85 percent of Greenlanders are opposed to Trump's idea. "I've had enough of his empty threats," Anders Martinsen, a 27-year-old tax service employee, told AFP. "There are a lot of Greenlanders who see the US differently with Trump as president, who are a little less inclined to cooperate even if that's what they would really want to do," he said. "They can't own us," insisted Aka-Mark Thor-Moller, a 28-year-old accountant. He said Greenland should seek independence "as soon as possible but not right now. We have to plan our economic development first." The statements by Trump -- whom Prime Minister Egede has described as "unpredictable" -- sent a jolt through the election campaign. Naleraq's nationalists say his remarks have given them leverage ahead of independence negotiations with Denmark. But the comments have also chilled some independence supporters, making continued ties with Copenhagen more attractive to them, at least for now. "Staying with Denmark is more important than ever right now because I think Denmark has mostly been good to us," said one voter who identified himself only as Ittukusuk. "If we become independent, then Trump might get too aggressive and that's what scares me." Political analysts say Trump's meddling in the election contributed to a more polarised debate by reinforcing each side's convictions, but overall it was not expected to influence the result. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Greenland goes to polls amid Trump's 'buyout' plans

Greenland's left-wing Inuit Ataqatigiit party pledged its opposition to a large rare earth mining project on Wednesday after winning a parliamentary election for only the second time in more than four decades.

Its comfortable victory casts doubt on the mining complex at Kvanefjeld in the south of the Arctic island and sends a strong signal to international mining companies wanting to exploit&nbsp;Greenland's vast untapped mineral resources.

Inuit Ataqatigiit (IA) won 37 per cent&nbsp;of votes in Tuesday's snap election, compared to 26&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;in the last election, overtaking the ruling social democratic Siumut party which secured 29&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;of votes, according to official results.

The pro-mining Siumut party has been in power most of the time since&nbsp;Greenland&nbsp;gained home rule from Denmark in 1979.

Though not opposed outright to mining, IA has a strong environmental focus. It has campaigned to halt the Kvanefjeld project, which aside from rare earths including neodymium - which is used in wind turbines, electric vehicles and combat aircraft - also contains uranium.

"The people have spoken," IA leader Mute Egede, 34, told broadcaster DR when asked about Kvanefjeld. "It won't happen."

Mikaa Mered, lecturer on Arctic affairs at HEC business school in Paris, said of the outcome: "This will without doubt hamper mining development in&nbsp;Greenland."

While most&nbsp;Greenlanders see mining as an important path towards independence, the Kvanefjeld mine has been a contention point for years, sowing deep divisions in the government and population over environmental concerns.

"It's not that&nbsp;Greenlanders don't want mining, but they don't want dirty mining," Mered said, referring to uranium and rare earth projects. "Greenlanders are sending a strong message that for them it's not worth sacrificing the environment to achieve independence and economic development."

CHALLENGES AHEAD

The island of 56,000 people, which former US&nbsp;President Donald Trump offered to buy in 2019, is part of the Kingdom of Denmark but has broad autonomy.

Egede, who was minister for natural resources in a coalition government from 2016 to 2018, will be first to try to form a new government. A potential government ally could be Naleraq, an independence party that also opposes the Kvanefjeld project.

Support from Prime Minister Kim Kielsen and his governing Siumut party helped license-holder&nbsp;Greenland&nbsp;Minerals gain preliminary approval for the project last year, paving the way for a public hearing.

The Australian firm has already spent more than $100 million preparing the mine and has proven processing technology through its Chinese partner Shenghe Resources.

Greenland&nbsp;Minerals Chief Executive John Mair said the public hearing has "lacked the normal due process" due to the early election.

"This unfortunately created a void that was filled with a wave of misinformation," he told Reuters on Wednesday. He declined to comment on the election outcome until a new government had been formed.

"The challenge for IA will be to explain to the world that&nbsp;Greenland&nbsp;is still open for business and still an attractive mining jurisdiction," said Dwayne Menezes, head of London-based think-tank Polar Research and Policy Initiative.

Greenland's left-wing Inuit Ataqatigiit party pledged its opposition to a large rare earth mining project on Wednesday after winning a parliamentary election for only the second time in more than four decades.

Greenland's left-wing Inuit Ataqatigiit party pledged its opposition to a large rare earth mining project on Wednesday after winning a parliamentary election for only the second time in more than four decades. Its comfortable victory casts doubt on the mining complex at Kvanefjeld in the south of the Arctic island and sends a strong signal to international mining companies wanting to exploit Greenland's vast untapped mineral resources. Inuit Ataqatigiit (IA) won 37 per cent of votes in Tuesday's snap election, compared to 26 per cent in the last election, overtaking the ruling social democratic Siumut party which secured 29 per cent of votes, according to official results. The pro-mining Siumut party has been in power most of the time since Greenland gained home rule from Denmark in 1979. Though not opposed outright to mining, IA has a strong environmental focus. It has campaigned to halt the Kvanefjeld project, which aside from rare earths including neodymium - which is used in wind turbines, electric vehicles and combat aircraft - also contains uranium. "The people have spoken," IA leader Mute Egede, 34, told broadcaster DR when asked about Kvanefjeld. "It won't happen." Mikaa Mered, lecturer on Arctic affairs at HEC business school in Paris, said of the outcome: "This will without doubt hamper mining development in Greenland." While most Greenlanders see mining as an important path towards independence, the Kvanefjeld mine has been a contention point for years, sowing deep divisions in the government and population over environmental concerns. "It's not that Greenlanders don't want mining, but they don't want dirty mining," Mered said, referring to uranium and rare earth projects. "Greenlanders are sending a strong message that for them it's not worth sacrificing the environment to achieve independence and economic development." CHALLENGES AHEAD The island of 56,000 people, which former US President Donald Trump offered to buy in 2019, is part of the Kingdom of Denmark but has broad autonomy. Egede, who was minister for natural resources in a coalition government from 2016 to 2018, will be first to try to form a new government. A potential government ally could be Naleraq, an independence party that also opposes the Kvanefjeld project. Support from Prime Minister Kim Kielsen and his governing Siumut party helped license-holder Greenland Minerals gain preliminary approval for the project last year, paving the way for a public hearing. The Australian firm has already spent more than $100 million preparing the mine and has proven processing technology through its Chinese partner Shenghe Resources. Greenland Minerals Chief Executive John Mair said the public hearing has "lacked the normal due process" due to the early election. "This unfortunately created a void that was filled with a wave of misinformation," he told Reuters on Wednesday. He declined to comment on the election outcome until a new government had been formed. "The challenge for IA will be to explain to the world that Greenland is still open for business and still an attractive mining jurisdiction," said Dwayne Menezes, head of London-based think-tank Polar Research and Policy Initiative.

Left-wing party wins Greenland election, opposes Arctic mining project

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Greenland goes to polls amid Trump's 'buyout' plans

Left-wing party wins Greenland election, opposes Arctic mining project