What enables the 70 Elders to lead the people is the Holy Spirit. God again specifically ask for 70 elders. In Exodus 24;1, " And he said unto Moses, Come up unto the LORD thou, and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu and seventy of the elders of Israel and worship ye afar". I would believe that the Elders were in leadership and were respected. God's Spirit goes upon whomever He chooses for His work and it was to assist Moses prophetically. Moses wanted the the Spirit of God to come down on all God's people, " The Spirit of the Lord will come powerfully upon you, and you will prophesy with them and you will be changed into a different person." 1 Samuel 10:6. The people needed to know the power of God.