Polls closed in Greenland's capital on Tuesday in closely watched parliamentary elections that will determine who can resist U.S. President Donald Trump's efforts to seize control of the strategic Arctic territory.
Unofficial election results are expected to be released shortly after polls close, but final confirmation will take weeks as ballots are flown into the capital from remote locations by boat, plane and helicopter.
This is because the 2.16 million square kilometres (836,330 square miles) island has no roads connecting populated areas.
Prime Minister Mute Borup Egede called the election slightly earlier in February, saying the country needed to unite at a “serious time” that was unprecedented in Greenland's history.
Greenland, an autonomous region of Denmark, lies on strategic air and sea routes in the North Atlantic and has rich reserves of rare earth metals needed to produce goods such as mobile phones and renewable energy technology.
Mr Trump has been vocal about his intentions to take control of Greenland, telling a joint session of Congress last week that he believed the US would get it “one way or another”.
Although the island of 56,000 has been seeking independence since at least 2009, separating from Denmark is not on the ballot, although it is still being debated.
Instead, voters will choose 31 politicians who will shape the island's future at this critical moment in its history.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
