Voting is underway on different social media platforms as the search for Miss World 2017 gets to the finish line. This year’s pageant is slated for Saturday, November 18, at the Crown of Beauty Theatre in Sanya, China.

Rwanda is being represented by reigning Miss Rwanda 2017, Elsa Iradukunda-the second Rwandan to grace the prestigious Miss World stage.

Iradukunda has appealed to all Rwandans and her fans to vote her by liking her Facebook page, or by clicking "vote for me” on her page of the Miss World website. You can also follow her on her official mobstar account Elsa Iradukunda.

Like all other contestants, Iradukunda is reaching out to her fans to vote for her so she can reach the Top 40 Round.

On October 21, pageant organisers unveiled the Head to Head challenge, where contestants were divided into twenty groups of six countries each. The challenge closed on November 15. Each contestant made an opening presentation, talked about their countries of origin, and reached out for the public’s vote.

Iradukunda was placed in Group 14, which comprised contestants from Rwanda, Poland, Sweden, Seychelles, Venezuela, and Montenegro. The winner from the group will clinch a place in the Top 40 stage of the competition.

During the Head to Head challenge, Iradukunda shed light on some of her charity work in Rwanda and why it’s important to help the less privileged: "A wise man once said, there is no better exercise for the heart than reaching down and lifting others. I believe I was blessed to bless, given to give, and raised to rise. That is why to me helping is so important because it not only makes you feel good, but it also makes others have a better outlook on you. Whenever you help others they also develop that need to help others.”

Iradukunda also shed light on some of her charitable initiatives.

"I organised a surgery for two hundred people who were blind because of cataracts back home in Rwanda. I managed to organise that surgery and they were able to see again, so it was something so good. It’s not because I had a lot of money or I was the most powerful person in Rwanda. It was because of that heart for giving. I believe that helping is not just important but most important.

I think helping also connects us with each other and helps us build a better society for each and everyone. That is why I really believe in beauty with a purpose.”

Meanwhile, a total of 118 contestants are vying for the coveted title. Contestants will be selected through categories including talent, beach fashion, top model, social media, beauty with a purpose and Q&A.

At the end of the ceremony, current Miss World Stephanie del Valle Díaz of Puerto Rico, will hand over her crown to her successor.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw