On 9 January 2005, the Government of Southern Sudan was established after the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. ... is composed of the National Legislative Assembly and the Council of States. The executive branch of government is headed by the president. Under the TCSS, the president's term can last two consecutive 5-year terms.

A referendum took place in Southern Sudan from 9 to 15 January 2011, on whether the region should remain a part of Sudan or become independent. The referendum was one of the consequences of the 2005 Naivasha Agreement between the Khartoum central government and the Sudan People's Liberation Army/Movement (SPLA/M).. A simultaneous referendum was …