Mr Shanel, who lost the seat after being jailed for stabbing a man after an argument, is tipped to win comfortably.
Another former MP, Walton Naezon, is said to have an outside chance should swing voters go his way.
Public servant Elvis Kekegolo is a relatively new comer but many are saying that he may surprise many.
"What you have is a situation where there are two former MPs and one fresh candidate, being a former MP may work against their favor," said one political analyst.
There are several proposed mining for Central Guadalcanal, so there is a lot at stake. The Gold ridge mining is also located in the same area.
The election is expected to run smoothly with tight police security in all polling stations.
The results are expected later tonight.
Central Guadalcanal go to the Polls
The Central Guadalcanal bye election will be held today, with many predicting the return of former MP Peter Shanel.
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