It is simply framing the problem in such a way that the conclusions most people will draw are predetermined. This gives the illusion of a grass roots solution and support.
The technique takes the process a few steps further and puts overseers (who may or may not know they are tools) with special training on facilitating the process so that the outcome avoids the influence of any mavericks (like a freeper) might have that would spoil the process.
In North Korea they are called minders.
More on the name- (Nothing has changed):
Oracle of Delphi
by Preston Chesser
Around 1400 BCE a goat herder noticed his sheep acted strange after peering into a particular chasm on Mount Parnassus. He looked in and found himself “agitated like one frantic”. At least that is how the legend goes on the humble beginnings of the Oracle at Delphi.
The effects of the brain altering vapors,Ruins were ultimately attributed to a divine source. Other people began inhaling the vapors so that they could prophesy. But the gas was so disorienting some fell into the cavern and were lost. So a tripod was built and an individual was appointed to sit over the chasm and prophesy. Originally, the perfect candidate was considered to be a young virgin girl. But after one of the virgins escaped with a young Thessalian it was decreed no prophetess (also called the Pythoness or the Pythia) would be appointed under 50 years of age.
A booming industry grew up around the Oracle. Temples were built and rebuilt, priests were trained, rituals evolved and sacrifices were performed. Priests interpreted the incoherent utterances of the Pythia. Presents were brought to both placate the deity and in the hope of influencing a positive prophesy. The Delphic temple itself became one of the largest “banks” in the world. Delphi became a center for banking and commerce.
http://ehistory.osu.edu/world/articles/ArticleView.cfm?AID=8