A process for the production of paper from a suspension containing cellulosic fibers, and optional fillers, which comprises adding to the suspension a drainage and retention aid comprising a cationic organic polymer, forming and dewatering the suspension on a wire, wherein the cationic organic polymer has an aromatic group and the suspension which is dewatered on the wire has a conductivity of at least 2.0 mS/cm. The invention further relates to a process for the production of paper from a suspension containing cellulosic fibers, and optional fillers, comprising adding to the suspension a drainage and retention aid comprising a cationic organic polymer having an aromatic group, forming and dewatering the suspension on a wire to obtain a wet web of paper and white water, recirculating the white water and optionally introducing fresh water to form a suspension containing cellulosic fibers, and optional fillers, to be dewatered, wherein the amount of fresh water introduced is less than 30 tons per ton of dry paper produced.