Powerful traditional chiefs hold sway over more than 15 million people in rural areas.

有权势的传统首领们统治着乡村地区的1500万人。

Rebel forces hold sway over much of the island.

该岛很大一部分控制在叛军手里。

Bad elements hold sway, while good people are pushed around.; The bad eggs wielded power， while the good people were oppressed.

坏人当道， 好人受气

Ghosts met I do not hold sway.

鬼见了我都不当道。

Yet the theory continues to hold sway.

然而这种理论还是继续占据主导地位。