A election on Greenland has probably never received such great international attention. The reason is of course Donald Trump's repeated statements about taking control of the island, which has put Greenland's already sensitive relationship with Denmark in the spotlight.
Pele Broberg, chairman of the independence party Naleraq, has previously expressed a desire for the US president to "continue with his statements" because it "benefits the party's core issue".
The attention surrounding Greenland makes something happen, and people start to understand that Denmark is not necessarily the great benefactor, he said to Danish Radio after Trump's first statement in early January.
Less talk about Trump
Shortly after, an opinion poll showed that 85 percent of Greenlanders do not wish to leave the kingdom and Denmark to become part of the USA.
This is the only opinion poll that has been conducted on the issue, and according to researcher Ulrik Pram Gad, it has had an impact on the election campaign.
Naleraq launched its election campaign by saying that they wanted to investigate what Trump can offer to show Denmark that they have alternatives. But they haven't talked much about Trump lately because it didn't quite have the desired effect on voters.
Want to talk to the USA
All parties agree, however, that they do not want to be Americans or Danes, according to Pram Gad.
The mainstream perspective is that they want independence, but it will take time. Then there is the side that does not believe it will happen, even though it would be fantastic. And then there is the other side of the political spectrum, where they want to take the more radical path and declare independence directly and talk to the USA about alternatives.
More uncertain voters
That side believes that the practical issues can be resolved afterwards – and that it would even become easier, because they believe that Denmark is standing in the way of an independence process, says Pram Gad.
An opinion poll a month ago also showed that the middle parties have lost support, while the voter group "don't know" has increased.
If I were to guess, I think they will return to the middle. What will be interesting to see is if the mainstream parties manage to form a government, or if the fringe parties get the influence needed to pressure Denmark.
Greenland is an autonomous part of Denmark with extensive self-government. About 80 percent of the area is covered by inland ice. The ice-free area is slightly smaller than Sweden's area.
Greenland has approximately 57,000 inhabitants, and most of them were born in Greenland. Around a quarter of all people born in Greenland have moved to Denmark's mainland.
On March 11, the inhabitants will vote for 31 members to the Inatsisartut, the Greenlandic parliament.
All those who have Danish citizenship, are over 18 years old, and have been resident in Greenland with a fixed address for six months can vote in the election.
The following six parties are participating in the election: Inuit Ataqatigiit, Siumut, Naleraq, Demokraatit, Qulleq, and Atassut.
The question of independence is central in the election. Fisheries, healthcare, tourism, and education are also important election issues.
The sitting government is led by Prime Minister Mute Bourup Egede from Inuit Ataqatigiit – a party that wants independence, but believes the process will take time.
A number of opinion polls in recent years have shown that a large majority of inhabitants want the island to break free from Denmark.
Source: Ritzau, Landguiden/UI
