Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Share to Linkedin Greenland’s parliamentary election began Tuesday, marking a potentially crucial turning point for the territory’s independence from Denmark as President Donald Trump has expressed serious interest in taking it over for “national security and even international security” purposes. The election began Tuesday. (Photo by EMIL STACH/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty Images) Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty Images Voting for the election began Tuesday at 72 polling stations across the island, with some 40,000 voters eligible to participate in an election likely to produce high voting turnout, according to the Associated Press, which noted polls have indicated support for Greenland’s independence. Greenland Prime Minister Múte Egede, who supports independence, called the election a “fateful choice” for the Arctic island sought by Trump, who said of Greenland in an address to Congress last month, “One way or the other, we’re going to get it.” The territory’s independence is not explicitly on the ballot but most of the six political parties involved in the election support independence, with some disagreeing on how and when to go about cutting the territory’s centuries-old links to Denmark. Thirty-one lawmakers are set to be elected to Greenland’s parliament, and results should be available early Wednesday, according to The Washington Post. Egede’s party, the United Inuit party, is projected to secure 31% of the vote, according to BBC. Get Forbes Breaking News Text Alerts: We’re launching text message alerts so you'll always know the biggest stories shaping the day’s headlines. Text “Alerts” to (201) 335-0739 or sign up here. Who Controls Greenland? Denmark, partially. Greenland, which became self-governed in 2009, was colonized by Denmark some 300 years ago and still controls Greenland’s foreign and defense policies. How Would Greenland Gain Independence? Greenland would need to hold a referendum to break away from Denmark as part of a larger, lengthy process that could take 10-15 years, Kaj Kleist, a veteran Greenlandic politician and civil servant, told BBC. Kleist noted the process would also include a “lot of preparation and negotiations with the Danish government” before full independence could be achieved. What Has Greenland Said About Independence And Trump? Egede has led the movement for Greenland’s independence from Denmark, according to ABC News, noting an address to the nation Egede made in January, when he said “we must work to remove the obstacles to cooperation—which we can describe as the shackles of colonialism—and move forward.” Egede has said Trump’s comments about taking over Greenland have been “disrespectful,” telling a Danish broadcaster Greenland deserves “to be treated with respect, and I don't think the American president has done that lately." Pipaluk Lynge, a member of parliament from the United Inuit party, told the Associated Press she thinks most of the territory has “been scared since the new year because of (Trump’s) interest,” adding “we’re really, really looking to Europe right now to see if we could establish a stronger bond with them to secure our sovereign nation.” What Has Trump Said About Greenland? Trump said in his recent address to Congress the U.S. supports Greenland’s right to determine its own future, directly addressing the territory’s people and adding, “if you choose, we welcome you into the United States of America.” The comments marked a stark change from remarks he made about Greenland in January, when he said the U.S. would not rule out military action or economic penalties to take control of the territory. Trump has floated the idea of purchasing Greenland for several years, provoking figures like Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen to push back on the idea recently, emphasizing that the island is “not for sale.” Trump has said the U.S. needs Greenland for “national security and even international security,” claiming if it were under American control, it would be kept safe and made rich. Key Background Greenland has been sought after by countries like the U.S. and Russia, with suitors specifically attracted by the island’s mineral resources and its location as a strategic Arctic military asset. The island is home to fewer than 60,000 people, some of whom have expressed opposition against becoming part of the U.S. A poll from Danish news outlets Berlingske and Sermitsiaq found 85% of respondents did not want to be controlled by the U.S. Additionally, 56% of those surveyed said they would vote for independence from Denmark if a referendum were held. Greenland’s independence from Denmark could open the door to the U.S. entering the ownership picture for the island. However, BBC reported five out of six party leaders said in a final debate before the election that they did not believe Trump could be trusted. Naleraq, the territory’s largest opposition party, has promised to create a vote on independence in three to four years. Meanwhile, other parties have been more reluctant about moving to such a vote so fast, as cutting ties with Denmark could prove to be a financial blow to Greenland’s economy, which receives over $565 million a year in subsidies from Denmark, accounting for a fifth of its economic output, according to BBC. Further Reading Why Does Trump Want To Buy Greenland? What To Know As Danish Prime Minister Says It’s ‘Not For Sale’ (Forbes) Trump Says US Should Take Ownership Of Greenland And Threatens Panama Canal Takeover (Forbes) Trump Confirms He’s Serious About Wanting Canada As 51st State (Forbes) Follow me on Twitter or LinkedIn. Send me a secure tip. Antonio Pequeño IV Editorial Standards Forbes Accolades