On March 12, MNL48's Team NIV performed "1! 2! 3! 4! Yoroshiku" at audience-free "It's Showtime", and they announced that the 3rd General Election will be aired at the said program on April 25. Due to COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines, the voting lines for General Election were extended until October 31. On March 15, the candidates for the 3rd General Election was announced, consisting of 62 candidates (44 from first and second generation, 2 from "Kenkyuusei," and 16 from third generation). Eligible candidates Rans, Yssa, Lei, and Rowee will not join the Third General Election due to personal reasons. On March 24, 3rd generation aspirant Querubin Gonzalez withdrew the candidacy for official 48 members. Two days later, former "" housemate Jelay Pilones joined the candidacy for the 3rd General Election. 