This post is part of our special coverage South Sudan Referendum 2011.

A referendum is currently taking place in Southern Sudan from 9 January until 15 January 2011 to decide whether or not the south should remain a part Sudan or be an independent state. These are photos documenting Southern Sudan's landmark referendum.

Look at my finger:

A woman in Southern Sudan showing off her ink-marked finger after voting. Photo courtesy of Suleiman Abdullahi (http://upiu.com/)

The long walk to vote:

The long walk to vote. Photo courtesy of Alun McDonald

New flag of Southern Sudan. The meaning of the colors: Black – the Southern Sudanese people, Red – the blood shed for freedom, Green – the land, Blue – the waters of the river Nile Gold Star – unity of the states of Southern Sudan.

The new flag of Southern Sudan. Photo courtesy of Giulio Petrocca.

The long wait for freedom:

Voters stood in line patiently for hours. Photo courtesy of The International Rescue Committee

Apparently, Southern Sudan TV can't spell Arabic:

Southern Sudan TV can't spell Arabic properly: صويت instead of صوت . Photo courtesy of Sate3

How to mark the ballot:

How to mark the ballot in the referendum

Waiting to vote for freedom:

Southern Sudanese waiting to vote for freedom. Photo courtesy of David McKenzie

Voting cards:

Voting card that Southern Sudanese use to cast votes. Photo courtesy of Usamah

Will you bring a chair for me?:

The line was very long. People brought chairs. Photo courtesy of The International Rescue Committee

This post is part of our special coverage South Sudan Referendum 2011.