You actually have a pretty good point there.
Technically, Scar was actually kind of meritocratic, as he disagreed with the system of primogeniture and instead wanted kings to be chosen based off their skills and ability to lead the pride, which would allow members of the pride to advance up the ranks if they proved themselves worthy instead of choosing the king by predetermined royal lineage.
But I guess the weather gods are some hardcore royalists since Scar’s reign was cursed with massive drought that ended at the EXACT moment Simba came back to restore the old monarchical system.