A number of groups are 'contending' (with each other) for power in the new government.
He's had 'a lot to contend with' recently. [=he's had many problems to deal with]
She 'contends' [='maintains, asserts'] the new law will only benefit the wealthy.
(..) Come, sir. Goodnight, mother Where is your son? What, Gertrude, how does Hamlet? Mad as the seas and wind, when both contend which is the mightier In his lawless fit, behind the arras healing something stir... ...he whips his rapier out and cries 'a rat, a rat' And in his frantic apprehension (..)2015 Hamlet