I really think Fidel's brother Raul, will take over once Fidel is gone. I'm just not sure that he has the "charisma" that Fidel has, that brought the people to him in the first place.
To me, I think Elian Gonzales, is more a sybol of victory, over the US, than he is an "heir apparent". Hopefully US colonialism, can be kept in check, and the people of Cuba, will have a chance at real "self-government".
Of course, we'll just have to wait and see.