A majority of voters in Nanortalik and the surrounding settlements have voted in favor of becoming an independent municipality. The result is non-binding and does not, in and of itself, change the current municipal structure.
The advisory referendum among the residents of Nanortalik and the settlements of Narsarmijit, Aappilattoq, Tasiusaq, Ammassivik, and Alluitsup Paa was held on September 11.
Eligible voters were asked to express their views on the following question:
“Do you want Nanortalik and the surrounding settlements of Narsarmijit, Aappilattoq, Tasiusaq, Ammassivik, and Alluitsup Paa to leave the Municipality of Kujalleq and become an independent municipality?”
Citizens could vote either yes or no.
Following the vote count, it is clear that a majority of the votes cast are in favor of Nanortalik and its surrounding settlements becoming an independent municipality.
The result is for informational purposes only
The advisory referendum gave citizens the opportunity to express their views on future municipal affiliation. However, the result does not mean that Nanortalik and the surrounding settlements will automatically leave the Municipality of Kujalleq.
Any change to the municipal structure cannot be decided by the Municipality of Kujalleq alone. The result should therefore be viewed as an expression of the citizens’ views and may be taken into account in the further political deliberations on the matter.
Randi Vestergaard Evaldsen, Municipal Director of the Municipality of Kujalleq, emphasizes this difference:
– The result clearly shows how the majority of citizens who cast their votes feel about the issue. At the same time, it is important to emphasize that this is an advisory vote. The result therefore does not in itself mean that Nanortalik will become an independent municipality. Any change to the municipal structure is not a decision that the Municipality of Kujalleq can make on its own. The matter must be further addressed at the national level, and the result of the vote will serve as an important expression of the citizens’ views, says Randi Vestergaard Evaldsen, municipal director of the Municipality of Kujalleq.
She also extends her thanks to the employees who helped carry out the vote:
– I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all the staff who worked at the polling places and contributed to the planning and conduct of the advisory referendum. It has been a major undertaking, and the staff’s tremendous efforts have been crucial in ensuring that the referendum and the subsequent vote count could be carried out in a proper and reliable manner,” says Randi Vestergaard Evaldsen.
Voter Turnout and Vote Distribution
There were a total of 1,093 eligible voters in Nanortalik and the surrounding settlements.
A total of 680 citizens cast their votes, representing a voter turnout of 62.21 percent. This means that 413 citizens—equivalent to 37.79 percent of eligible voters—did not vote.
Of the votes cast, the results were as follows:
- 643 voted "yes," representing 94.56 percent of the votes cast and 58.83 percent of all eligible voters.
- 29 voted "no," representing 4.26 percent of the votes cast and 2.65 percent of all eligible voters.
- There were 8 invalid votes, representing 1.18 percent of the votes cast and 0.73 percent of all eligible voters.
Voter turnout in each locality
- Nanortalik: 64.6 percent
- Aappilattoq: 57.7 percent
- Narsarmijit: 66.79 percent
- Tasiusaq: 46.2 percent
- Ammassivik: 56.5 percent
- Alluitsup Paa: 50.9 percent
The results of the indicative vote will be taken into account in the further consideration of the issue of the future municipal affiliation of Nanortalik and the surrounding settlements.
