Lynca Akacu is the winner of the 2015 Miss Rwanda beauty pageant in the Eastern Province.

She garnered 86 per cent in a ceremony held at Silent Hill Motel in Kayonza District, on Sunday.

A beaming and confident Akacu told The New Times after she came ahead of the pack, that the sky is the limit. "I joined this contest to win and God has answered my prayers, she said. "The journey ahead is still a tough one but I’m pleased with how it (journey) has gone so far”.

The four other contestants who will represent the Eastern Province are Fiona Naringwa Mutoni (80%), Nadette Umuhoza (82%), Barbine Mutoni, and Diane Uwimana both scored 79 per cent.

Speaking exclusively to The New Times before the results were announced, Naringwa said: "Look at all of us…Whoever goes on to win Miss Rwanda 2015 title would have put in a lot of effort.”

The journalism student at University of Rwanda, she said she was happy the public wasn’t allowed in the hall. "I’m glad the judges have the final say without any pressure from the audience.”

Alice Rotine Malonga, Gisele Daisy Ishimwe and Fortunate Angel were put on probation.

Presenting them to the crowd, judge Aline Gahongaire said that three still have a chance to make it through. "There are provinces where we didn’t get the required minimum of five girls,” she said. "Any of these three can fill that vacuum,” she adds.

In all, 17 contestants participated out of the 28 that were initially registered.

Also present at the show was reigning Miss Rwanda AkiwacuColombe, who posed for photos with the successful contestants.