NUUK, Greenland - Parliamentary elections began Tuesday in Greenland, where 56,000 residents will elect 31 lawmakers who will help shape the self-governing Danish territory's future independence discussions [1].

Polls opened at 1100 GMT in Nuuk's sports hall, the capital city's sole polling station, where political parties set up tents offering traditional Greenlandic refreshments to voters [1,2]. Results are expected after polls close at 2200 GMT, though official certification will take weeks due to the logistical challenges of collecting ballots from remote settlements [1].

While independence from Denmark isn't directly on the ballot, the election occurs against a backdrop of increasing international attention, particularly regarding the island's strategic location and valuable rare earth mineral deposits [1,3].

'The situation has changed because of Trump and because of the world,' said Doris Jensen of the social democratic Siumut party, indicating her party's accelerated push toward independence [1].

The self-governing territory faces unique challenges, including:- A vast territory of 2.16 million square kilometers with no connecting roads- An economy where government jobs comprise 40% of employment- Strict environmental regulations affecting mineral extraction- Harsh weather conditions impacting development [1,2]

Local infrastructure developments include a recently opened airport runway capable of handling jumbo jets, completed in November 2024 [1]. The election campaign has focused on practical issues such as workforce development and infrastructure improvements [2].