[1] In terms of the constitution, the executive authority of a province is vested in the premier.

The MECs are effectively ministers and the Executive Council a cabinet at the provincial level.

In order for an act of the provincial legislature to become law, the premier must sign the legislation.

If the premier and the legislature cannot agree, the act must be referred to the Constitutional Court for a final decision.

The provincial legislature can force the premier to resign by passing a motion of no confidence.