[1] In terms of the constitution, the executive authority of a province is entrusted in the premier.
The MECs are primarily ministers and the Executive Council a cabinet at the provincial level.
In order for an act of the provincial legislature to officially become law, the premier must sign it.
If the premier and the legislature cannot agree, the act must be referred to the Constitutional Court for final consideration.
If the premiership becomes vacant (for whatever reason) the provincial legislature must choose a new premier to serve out the period until the next election.