A total of 83 girls who passed through the first paper screening, and the second interview screening, went on the third screening which was to examine their dancing and singing skills. A total of 49 girls were selected as the candidates for the upcoming Draft Kaigi.

The youngest candidates are nine girls who are 11-years-old, and the oldest candidate is a 21-year-old girl.

The 49 candidates include a younger sister of Tokyo Girls' Style member Yamabe Miyu and also 11 members who were a part of 'Baito AKB'.

This is the second time for the 'Draft Kaigi' to be held, as it was previously held back in November 2013. Just like the first time, the captains (or leaders for SKE48) of all teams in AKB48/SKE48/NMB48/HKT48, and their theater managers will select the members with needed abilities for their team. 

The candidates have no choice for which group (and team) they will join, and if there is an appointment overlap, the candidate's team will be decided by drawing lots by the captains. 

They do have the right of veto when they are drafted by the team they don't wish to join, but then those will lose their right to join the team. 

The candidates, whose negotiations are settled, will join the team as Kenkyuusei, and will aim to get promoted as its members.

Until the day of the 'Draft Kaigi' which will be on May 10, the 49 candidates will appeal / promote themselves through TV and online as they aim to get drafted. 

Source & Image: Oricon + AKB48 official site