Greenland's centre-right opposition has won a surprise general election victory - in a vote dominated by independence and US President Donald Trump's pledge to take over the semi-autonomous territory. The centre-right Demokraatit party - which favours a gradual approach to independence from Denmark - achieved around 30% of the vote, near-complete results show. "Greenland needs us to stand together in a time of great interest from outside," party leader Jens Frederik Nielsen told local media. "There is a need for unity, so we will enter into negotiations with everyone."

The center-right Demokraatit Party won the most votes in a surprising result in Greenland’s parliamentary elections, held in the shadow of U.S. President Donald Trump’s stated goal of taking control of the island one way or another. Both Demokraatit, or the Democrats, and the second-place finisher Naleraq, or Point of Orientation, favor Greenland’s independence from Denmark but differ on the pace of change. Demokraatit won nearly 30% of the vote, compared to just 9% in the election four years ago, Greenlandic Broadcasting Corporation KNR TV reported.

The center-right Demokraatit Party won the most votes in Greenland’s parliamentary elections, a surprise result as the territory went to the polls in the shadow of President Donald Trump’s stated goal of taking control of the island one way or another. Both Demokraatit — the Democrats — and the second place party, Naleraq — “Point of Orientation” — favor independence from Denmark, but they have differences on the pace of change. Demokraatit’s upset victory over parties that have governed the territory for years indicates that many in Greenland care just as much about healthcare, education, cultural heritage and other social policies.