The applications for AKB48’s 7th General Elections aka Senbatsu Sousenkyo have opened as of today. For the next few days, we’ll see members from each of the 48-groups signing up in the hope of winning 1 of 80 spots for the group’s 41st single(to be released August 2015).
As per previous year, the top 16 elected members will form the Media Senbatsu to perform the A-side song. The subsequent groups of 16 will form Under Girls, Next Girls, Future Girls and Upcoming Girls, to perform the coupling tracks.
Members will have until 29th March 2015, 10pm to sign up.
Meanwhile, it was also announced that this year’s Sousenkyo will take place in the hometown of HKT48 – Fukuoka(Yafuoku! Dome). This decision was made after considering issues like weather, noise levels and stadium capacity.
Source
Website to check members’ application status
Matsui Rena bows out
From her SKE48 blog:
This is Rena.
I will not be participating in this year’s elections. As for the reason, let me say what i am can.
1 year ago, as i was waiting for the election results, at around the 10th position, I was excited and smiling more than anyone, unlike previous years where i was nervous to the point of breaking down(although during the preliminary results i was very uncomfortable). I’m probably the only one who was smiling at that time. When i stood before the mike, “this might be the last” was what I felt.
Of course i was happy and honoured to receive my rank. Everyone around me said “it’s great” and i was full of gratitude. I especially felt the praise from my fans.
The feelings i had from last year won’t surface again. Worrying about whether my thoughts are correct, i came to this conclusion. Have I made everyone happy with my activities as a member “within the group”? Honestly, i can’t say so.
In the past, i said i wanted to be No.1.
It’s not like i changed my mind, but my vision has widened. That is because i met alot of people and had the chance to work in lots of places. What i learnt is that i have to look at myself objectively. When I appeared in shows or magazines everyone was happy for me. When i appeared in dramas and movies, people also told me i’m moving closer to my dreams. I was so happy to hear these words.
What i am striving for, and what i should do now, is something very important.
-Skip a part which talks about going above and beyond meeting expectations and how it doesn’t have rankings-
I want to move forward seriously with everyone, so i chose not to participate in the elections. There is no ranking in the road moving forward. It is a battle with myself. I think i will keep thinking about this decision from here on, but i wish for everyone’s blessing. You can always congratulate or thank me in future, so please don’t worry, as this is what I hope for above everything else.”
Takahashi Minami signs up
From her 755:
“This year i’ll participate without hesitating! I’ll enjoy it with everyone till the end!”
JKT48 Nakagawa Haruka opts out
From Google+:
“I’d like to work hard in my Jakarta home, till the end with no regrets!”
AKB48 Kuramochi Asuka opts out
From her ameblo:
AKB48 Kojima Haruna opts out
From her twitter:
“I’m leaving for overseas for work! It’d be great if i can take it slowly. Passport and mileage card..did i forget anything?”
“Ah..i forgot about the sousenkyo deadlines!”
“So as u may know I won’t be participating this year! Actually i’ve been thinking about Sousenkyo seriously these days. This is the result. From now on I won’t have much chances to appear for AKB. I will do things my way! Going off!”
Will update this space if more notable members signup/opt out!
Meanwhile, for those who intend to vote, pre-order the 40th single(and voting tickets) below:
AllThingsJpop 
Oh well, It might have been Haruka’s year! I thought maybe she would move up. She is my favorite in JKT48, and is still very special to me from the WH7.
When Kojiharu posted she forgot the deadline, I thought she was joking but then the next post made it real. I am not looking for the election this year or rather without Kojiharu and Rena is not gonna be fun.
Yeah Kojiharu makes the best speeches and if seems like we’ll never hear it again. I’m a fan of Rena too and hoped she can outrank sayanee/jurina just to show that ppl who don’t ask for ranks can make it.