There is no country in my home world ruled in such a manner, so it is entirely new to me.
As to whether I prefer it...I could not yet say. In Thedas, I have seen great leaders rise who would never have been chosen by the people, but I have also seen tyrants rise the same way. People do not always choose what is actually best for them, but neither do leaders always choose what is best for their people. I find it likely that we are all at Andraste's mercy either way.