This post was originally published on GreenMet
For Immediate Release
March 10, 2025 – Washington, D.C. – Greenland will vote in a historic election on March 11. This primer is intended to provide business leaders, journalists and stakeholders around the world with crucial context.
RECENT ELECTIONS
- Greenland’s most recent election was in 2021.
- Total of about 41,000 registered voters.
- About 27,000 votes cast (66% turnout).
- The two pro-independence parties, Inuit and Naleraq, won a majority of seats: 16 of 31, signaling support for independence.
- Counting the Siumut party, the majority of the Greenlandic Parliament today is controlled by pro-independence parties, representing 26 of the 31 seats.
- Historically, Greenlandic elections have tended to be single-issue referendums.
- For example, in 2013, it was about limiting uranium mining.
- In 2021, the main issue was creating more opportunities in mining.
- The 2021 election helped usher in the Greenlandic Mining Act that improved the nation’s ability to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) for mining activities.
SUPPORT FOR INDEPENDENCE
- This election on March 11 will elect 31 members of the Parliament.
- Prime Minister Mute Egede has suggested a national referendum on independence could be held in early April.
- A new pro-independence party called “Quelleq” gained ballot access for the election.
- In a public poll released in January, the three pro-independence parties have about 68% of the vote.
- In January, 84% of polled voters supported independence.
THE LAW AND INDEPENDENCE
- In 2009, Denmark worked with Greenland to create the “Act on Greenland Self-Government.” Section 21 lays out the process for Greenlandic independence:
- Decision regarding Greenland’s independence shall be taken by the people of Greenland. (2) If decision is taken pursuant to subsection (1), negotiations shall commence between the Government and Naalakkersuisut with a view to the introduction of independence for Greenland. (3) An agreement between Naalakkersuisut and the Government regarding the introduction of independence for Greenland shall be concluded with the consent of Inatsisartut and shall be endorsed by a referendum in Greenland. The agreement shall, furthermore, be concluded with the consent of the Folketing.
- (4) Independence for Greenland shall imply that Greenland assumes sovereignty over the Greenland territory.
- Essentially, if the Greenlandic people choose independence at the April referendum, the Naalak (the Greenlandic executive branch) will begin negotiations with the Danish government to create articles of independence for Greenland.
- Once the articles are drafted, the Parliament that is elected on March 11 will have to consent to the articles. If that vote passes Parliament, it will have to be passed by the people in a referendum.
- The Danish Parliament- the Folketing- will have consent as well.
Contact:
Sabrina Katz
Email: skatz@greenmet.com
Phone: (202) 525-1744
Website: www.greenmet.com
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