More like by Default, I'd say, he was next in line after Fidel... who knows, Fidel's son may move in after Raul.
I see a few hefties in the front , lots of skinny ones and a few empty seats.. NKoreans take better group gubamint pics. jmo.
![](http://d.yimg.com/a/p/rids/20090801/i/r8534896.jpg?x=400&y=278&q=85&sig=ez9al54QptogQFpQc08mmw--)
Members of Cuba's National Assembly attend a meeting in Havana August 1, 2009. REUTERS/Desmond Boylan (CUBA POLITICS)