This post is part of our special coverage South Sudan Referendum 2011 [1].
A referendum [2] 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:
[3]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:
[4]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.
[5]The new flag of Southern Sudan. Photo courtesy of Giulio Petrocca.
The long wait for freedom:
[6]Voters stood in line patiently for hours. Photo courtesy of The International Rescue Committee
Apparently, Southern Sudan TV can't spell Arabic:
[7]Southern Sudan TV can't spell Arabic properly: صويت instead of صوت . Photo courtesy of Sate3
How to mark the ballot:
[8]How to mark the ballot in the referendum
Waiting to vote for freedom:
[9]Southern Sudanese waiting to vote for freedom. Photo courtesy of David McKenzie
Voting cards:
[10]Voting card that Southern Sudanese use to cast votes. Photo courtesy of Usamah
Will you bring a chair for me?:
[11]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 [1].