Some systems don't have hard requirements, but instead have selective systems that result in those higher qualified getting further along.

Xi Jinping has a PhD in Marxism, and a degree in chemical engineering, for example. He had to work his way upward, because the system of governance in China begins from local council elections, who then send elected delegates to higher councils, and these councils elect delegates for higher councils than this. Systems that begin at the local level and fully integrate the selection process tend to place higher value on competency.

You don't actually say why him having a Phd and a degree in chemical engineering helps his chances of being selected for higher position. It is only implied that he started at the local level and hence was elected to higher office.

I am not saying it doesn't, I'd like to know if that is the case.

Systems that begin at the local level and fully integrate the selection process tend to place higher value on competency.

And you follow it up with this. Which I don't think is true. At least depending on your definition of "competency".