Greenland parliamentary elections produced an upset win by a party favoring gradual independence from Denmark. President Trump openly covets the vast island.

Greenland's pro-business Demokraatit Party surged to victory in a shake-up that could boost U.S. President Donald Trump's attempts to tap the island's mineral wealth, with the victors keen for reforms favouring private enterprise and mining.

Both Demokraatit — the Democrats — and the second place party, Naleraq — “Point of Orientation” — favor independence from Denmark.

Greenland's pro-business opposition Demokraatit party, which favours a slow approach to independence from Denmark, won Tuesday's parliamentary election that was dominated by U.S. President Donald Trump's pledge to take control of the island.

The single polling station in Greenland ’s capital city is ready. This big Arctic island with a tiny population holds early parliamentary elections Tuesday that are being closely watched. U.S. President Donald Trump has made clear he wants to take control of the region that occupies a strategic North Atlantic location and contains rare earth minerals key to driving the global economy.

A number of voters waiting in line in Nuuk, Greenland were keen to express their opposition to President Trump’s plan to make the territory part of the U.S., suggesting his interest was in the Arctic island’s natural resources,