As the 2024 election results roll in and the final outcomes are anticipated in a few days, a new administration is poised to take office. However, with various competing interests and both overt and covert influences at play, the real question is who will truly wield power over the next five years and which political parties will form coalitions to establish the government. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Ongama Mtimka, senior researcher, political analyst, and lecturer at Nelson Mandela University in Gqeberha, and political analyst Sandile Swana.