During his presidential election campaign, he had promised to incorporate Greenland into America. After winning the vote, he also issued a threat of force. Despite Donald Trump’s ‘bloodshot eyes’ warning, this time the voting process has begun in Greenland’s regional parliament. On Tuesday, the election for the legislature of the ‘Greenland Self-Governing Territory’ is being held under the supervision of Denmark, a European country.

Located about 3,000 kilometers away from Denmark’s mainland, the ‘world’s largest island’ has been under Copenhagen’s control for nearly 300 years. The island’s autonomous authorities manage internal affairs and development-related responsibilities, while foreign policy and defense decisions are made by the Danish government. In the past few months, U.S. President Trump has repeatedly warned of taking over Denmark. In that context, this electoral process is ‘significant.’

The Greenland Parliament consists of 31 seats, with elections held every four years. The island’s total population is 56,000, with approximately 44,000 eligible voters. The ‘magic number’ to gain a majority in parliament is 16 seats. This time, candidates from six parties are contesting the election. Interestingly, five of those parties favor Greenland’s full independence from Denmark. The election results will be known on Wednesday. Currently, Greenland is governed by a coalition between the Community of the People (IA) and Forward (S) parties. Múte B. Egede serves as the Prime Minister of Greenland.

In his first term as U.S. President, Trump wanted to buy Greenland, the world’s largest island located in northeastern Canada. However, the sovereignty of this ‘self-governing’ island belongs internationally to the European country Denmark. A few months ago, Trump wrote on social media, “For the security and freedom of the entire world, America believes that ownership and control of Greenland are currently essential.” Denmark rejected that claim outright. However, afterward, a direct message of potential force came from the White House resident.

This time, after winning the presidential election, during a press conference at a Florida resort, Trump was asked whether he could assure the world that he would not use military or economic force regarding Panama and Greenland after assuming office as President on January 20. In response, the Republican leader said, “No, I cannot give you any assurance regarding either of those two areas. However, I can say this: for economic security, we need both (the Panama Canal and Greenland).”