As per the Constitution of India, the governor is a state's de jure head, but de facto executive authority rests with the chief minister.

Following elections to the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, the state's governor usually invites the party (or coalition) with a majority of seats to form the government.

[1] Since 1970, twelve people have served as chief minister of Meghalaya.

Six of these belonged to the Indian National Congress, including the inaugural officeholder Williamson A. Sangma.

The current incumbent is Conrad Sangma of the National People's Party since 6 March 2018.